• California resident (low/mid income): Prioritize FAFSA/CADAA + March 2 deadlines, then complete the AcademicWorks general scholarship application. Your biggest “discount layer” is often state + federal grants plus portal-matched scholarships.
• Out-of-state + WUE eligible: Treat WUE as the first lever (tuition discount), then hunt for department scholarships in the intended major. Reminder: Nursing is excluded from WUE eligibility at Sac State.
• High GPA + leadership/service: Focus on GE Honors, alumni flagship scholarships, and the CSU Trustees’ Award. These are competitive and reward strong writing + meaningful involvement (not test scores).
• Transfer / adult / re-entry student: Look closely at scholarships like Crankstart Re-Entry and transfer-focused opportunities in AcademicWorks. Program support (advising, cohort resources) can be as valuable as the dollar amount.

🗓 Parent Timeline (Sac State Aid & Scholarships)

• Oct–Dec: Apply for admission (CSU Apply). Create your AcademicWorks account early and start the general application.
• Jan–Mar 2: Finish the general scholarship application + any supplemental questions. Submit FAFSA/CADAA by March 2 (priority date for many CA programs and campus awards).
• Spring–Summer: Watch for award updates and “late-posting” aid items. Some California awards/credits can appear after the semester begins.

Tip: At Sac State, March 2 is the date that matters most for both priority aid and many scholarship matches.

Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher?
Like most public universities, Sac State charges nonresidents extra because California taxpayers subsidize in-state tuition. Sac State also adds a nonresident tuition fee charged per unit, so the total out-of-state number can vary based on how many credits your student takes.

How does WUE work at Sac State?
WUE is a regional tuition-savings program for students from eligible western states. If your student qualifies, they can pay a reduced WUE tuition rate instead of full nonresident tuition. Sac State publishes an annual WUE tuition/fee estimate and a side-by-side cost comparison for residents vs WUE vs nonresidents.

Is WUE available for Nursing?
No. Sac State explicitly notes that Nursing majors are not eligible for WUE at Sacramento State. If Nursing is the plan, families should assume standard nonresident pricing unless another waiver applies.

Does the new two-year housing requirement affect total cost?
It can. Beginning Fall 2026, many incoming first-year students who live far enough from campus may be required to live in university housing for two academic years. If your student was planning to live at home or off-campus right away, that rule can meaningfully change the first two years of costs.

Is the “average net price” relevant for out-of-state families?
It’s still useful as a baseline, but it’s mostly based on in-state pricing. Out-of-state students should focus on: (1) whether they qualify for WUE, (2) any department-based scholarships, and (3) whether housing requirements apply to them.

1. Grants first: Federal + California grants (need-based) reduce your bill early.
2. Tuition discounts next: If you’re eligible, WUE reduces the out-of-state tuition portion.
3. Campus scholarships: Alumni/flagship and portal-matched awards add on top (often limited).
4. Department “hidden gems”: Major-based awards can be meaningful, but are competitive.

Note: Some awards can replace other aid or be limited by cost-of-attendance rules. If tuition is already covered, additional funds may shift to housing/fees or reduce other grants.

⏱ If You Only Have 2–3 Hours to Spend on Scholarships

1. File FAFSA/CADAA by March 2. Missing this date is the #1 preventable mistake.
2. Complete the AcademicWorks general scholarship application with full detail (not just the required fields).
3. Use plain keywords in the student profile (first-gen, single parent, re-entry, bilingual, major interest areas). Many matches depend on profile signals.

Parents: Sac State doesn’t reward “perfect test scores.” It rewards complete applications and the right match criteria.

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
For most automatic and department-matched awards, no. Students must submit Sac State’s general scholarship application in the AcademicWorks system to be considered for the widest range of awards.

Are SAT or ACT scores ever used?
No. Sacramento State is test-blind. Test scores are not reviewed for admission or for scholarships.

Is there a guaranteed merit amount for high GPA students?
No. Unlike some universities, Sac State does not publish guaranteed merit tiers. Awards depend on funding availability, donor criteria, and how closely a student’s profile matches each scholarship.

Does applying early help?
Yes. Completing admission steps and the general scholarship application early improves matching opportunities, especially for limited departmental funds.

Can these scholarships stack with WUE or other discounts?
Sometimes. Departmental and institutional scholarships may stack with WUE tuition, but stacking rules vary by award and should be confirmed with Sac State Financial Aid.

What makes these “flagship” scholarships?
They are the most selective, highest-profile campus-wide awards and may represent Sacramento State at the CSU system level.

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. All require completion of the general scholarship application, and the CSU Trustees’ Award also involves a campus nomination process.

Do SAT or ACT scores matter?
No. Sacramento State is test-blind; test scores are not used for admission or institutional scholarships.

How competitive is the CSU Trustees’ Award?
Extremely. Each CSU campus may nominate only one student, making it one of the most competitive undergraduate awards in California.

Can incoming freshmen apply?
Yes. Several flagship awards, including the Trustees’ Award and Alumni scholarships, are open to incoming freshmen who meet eligibility criteria.

• If my student receives WUE and a scholarship, do they stack — and what happens if tuition is already covered?
• For my student’s major, which scholarships typically go to first-year students vs continuing students?
• How many students received [Scholarship Name] last year, and what did the typical GPA range look like?
• For GE Honors / BHC / MESA, what benefits matter most beyond scholarships (priority registration, advising, cohort resources)?
• Does the two-year housing requirement apply to my student, and what exemptions exist (if any)?

Why are these called “hidden gems”?
They are often buried inside departmental pages or donor funds and receive far fewer applications than flagship scholarships.

Do these scholarships stack with other aid?
Often yes. Many departmental awards stack with Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and even WUE tuition, but some may replace institutional aid.

Are out-of-state students eligible?
Some are, but many high-value awards are restricted to California residents or specific majors. Always check residency language in AcademicWorks.

How do I maximize my chances?
Declare your major early, complete the general scholarship application thoroughly, and upload any optional statements or portfolios.

Is there a single Honors College?
No. Sacramento State uses multiple honors programs and cohorts rather than a standalone honors college.

Is the President’s Honors Program separate from GE Honors?
Not really. It is best understood as the top recruitment designation within the GE Honors Program, rather than a separate honors curriculum.

Do honors programs guarantee scholarships?
No. Some honors tracks offer dedicated scholarships, but awards are competitive and not guaranteed with honors admission.

What is the biggest practical benefit of honors at a CSU?
Priority registration. At a large CSU, this can be more valuable than small scholarships because it helps students stay on track for four-year graduation.

Can transfer students participate?
Yes. GE Honors and some program-based tracks accept transfers, though pathways and expectations may differ from freshman cohorts.

✅ Who Sac State Fits Best (And Who Should Compare Alternatives)

• Great fit: California students who want a strong, affordable path into education, healthcare, criminal justice, engineering, or public service — and want to minimize debt.
• Great fit: WUE-eligible out-of-state students in non-Nursing majors who can use WUE + major scholarships.
• Great fit: Students who benefit from structured support and priority registration (GE Honors, BHC, MESA).
• Compare alternatives if: Your student is out-of-state Nursing-bound (WUE doesn’t apply), or you’re chasing large test-score-based automatic merit (Sac State is test-blind).