Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher?
Like most public universities, NSU charges higher tuition to non-residents because Louisiana taxpayers subsidize in-state costs. The good news is that NSU lists several ways out-of-state students may reduce that non-resident difference (fee exemptions, border-county eligibility, and program-specific options like ACM).

Is the “Out-of-State Fee Exemption” automatic if my student meets the ACT/SAT and GPA threshold?
NSU publishes an out-of-state fee exemption option for freshmen tied to a 21 ACT (or 1060 SAT) and a 2.25 GPA. Families should confirm how NSU applies this (and what documentation is required) through the financial aid office or NSU’s official aid pages before assuming it will appear on the first bill.

We live in a Texas border county — does that change what we pay?
It can. NSU lists exemptions for residents of specific Texas border counties (Cass, Marion, Harrison, Panola, Shelby, Sabine, and Newton). If you qualify, you may pay much closer to in-state tuition/fees than a typical non-resident.

Does Academic Common Market (ACM) apply to every major?
No. ACM is major/program specific. It can be a big deal when it matches your student’s program, but it is not a universal discount. Always confirm the student’s intended major is approved under ACM for your state.

Can Louisiana Scholars’ College students get close to “full tuition” pricing?
Louisiana Scholars’ College students may have access to additional tuition waivers and honors-linked awards that can significantly reduce billed costs. Outcomes vary by student and by what other awards (merit, need-based aid, ROTC, state aid) are stacked on top.

What does the $13,156 net price actually mean?
That number is a federal average after typical grants/scholarships. It’s useful for benchmarking, but your real cost depends on residency, exemptions/waivers, academic awards, and your family’s financial aid eligibility.

Do these scholarships require a separate application?
No. These awards are triggered by a completed admissions file. Timing matters—students should submit transcripts and test scores early so NSU can evaluate them for the best possible tier.

What does NSU mean by “academic index”?
NSU combines high school GPA with ACT or SAT scores (when submitted) to determine scholarship placement. Exact index cutoffs are not published publicly.

If my student is test-optional, will that affect merit?
Potentially. Because NSU’s merit structure references an academic index, submitting test scores—when available—can strengthen placement. Families should confirm current policy with admissions.

Are these scholarships really renewable?
Generally, yes. NSU’s institutional merit awards are typically renewable for up to four years if students maintain a 3.0 GPA and earn at least 24 credit hours per year.

Does NSU superscore ACT or SAT for merit?
NSU does not clearly publish a superscore policy for merit awards. Separately, Louisiana’s TOPS program does not accept ACT superscores, so families should plan around single-test composites.

Are these scholarships worth applying for?
Yes—if your student has strong leadership, service, or transfer achievements. These awards are designed for students who stand out beyond GPA alone and can meaningfully reduce costs when stacked with automatic merit or fee exemptions.

How competitive is the President’s Leadership Program?
PLP is selective and interview-based. Academic strength matters, but leadership experience, communication skills, and willingness to participate in ongoing programming are critical factors.

Do competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often yes, but not always in full. Some competitive awards supplement automatic merit, while others may replace part of an existing package. Always review the final award breakdown carefully.

Are transfer students at a disadvantage?
No. NSU specifically offers competitive opportunities like the Purple Prestige Transfer Scholarship. High-performing community college transfers—especially PTK members—can be strong candidates.

When should we apply?
As early as possible. Competitive awards often close before regular admission deadlines, and some require interviews or additional materials that take time to prepare.

Why are these called “hidden gem” scholarships?
They aren’t always listed alongside automatic merit awards and often live on department, foundation, or program pages. Families who don’t dig a little deeper frequently miss them.

Can these scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often, yes. Many of these awards are designed to supplement existing aid rather than replace it—but stacking rules vary, so always review the final award letter.

Are GPA and test scores always required?
Not always. Talent-based, identity-based, and program-specific awards often focus more on eligibility, auditions, or documentation than raw test scores.

How do we find the applications for these?
Some are accessed through NSU’s Foundation or Financial Aid pages, while others are handled directly by academic departments (music, theatre, education, ROTC).

Which students benefit most from these awards?
Students with specific identities, talents, or career paths—especially those who don’t qualify for top-tier automatic merit—often see the biggest payoff from hidden gem scholarships.

Is Louisiana Scholars’ College the same as an “Honors College”?
Yes—LSC functions as NSU’s honors college, but with a distinct liberal arts model focused on seminars, writing, and interdisciplinary study rather than honors sections attached to large lectures.

How competitive is admission to Louisiana Scholars’ College?
LSC is selective. Successful applicants typically have strong high school GPAs, solid ACT/SAT scores, and a demonstrated interest in reading, writing, and discussion-based learning.

Does joining LSC really reduce the cost of attendance?
Often, yes. The LSC tuition waiver plus the Presidential Honors Award can significantly reduce tuition— and when stacked with TOPS or automatic merit, some students approach near full-tuition coverage.

Do honors students still receive automatic merit scholarships?
Yes. Honors students are still eligible for NSU’s automatic merit tiers and other institutional awards. Honors benefits typically stack on top rather than replace merit aid.

What happens if a student leaves Louisiana Scholars’ College?
If a student exits LSC or fails to meet program requirements, honors-linked benefits (such as the tuition waiver or Presidential Honors Award) may be reduced or discontinued.