Make sure to look into the University of Alabama schools. They have online merit charts you can check out.
@Spike20010 I seriously doubt this will work. As noted…you need a good reason for this. The process needs to also be complete prior to the student 18th birthday.
Plus, even if you get this, there is no guarantee colleges will be affordable. It would gain you independent status which would give you a whopping $4000 in additional Direct Loans. And you might be eligible for the Pell Grant which is $6000 or so. So your total guaranteed aid would be about $15,000 which wouldn’t pay for a residential college.
As an independent student, maybe a college that guarantees to meet full need for all would be affordable. But even these schools require a student contribution that can be several thousand dollars.
Look at U of South Carolina. If you got their McNair, you would be all set. The scholarship application is a doozie so get started on it now.
U of Alabama main campus, and Huntsville could be affordable. Their applications either are live now or will be soon. Apply and see. You will need to complete the admissions and scholarship applications. Your admission decision and aid will come quickly.
Arizona and New Mexico are options. So is Mississippi.
University of Houston (UH)
Since you are a Texas resident your initial, bottom line cost is low plus you would be eligible for merit aid based on your stats. Additionally, Texas Senate Bill 111 makes it mandatory for all public Texas colleges and universities to grant a minimum of 24 credit hours for all IB Diploma holders. That is basically a full year of college for which you do not have to pay. UH has a very good honors program and being in Houston will give you great opportunities for internships and research no matter what you decide to study.
Adding…please don’t do the military options unless you want to be in the military. This should not be viewed as a cash cow for those who aren’t interested in military service.
Not in the south, but there isn’t a better financial option for someone that wants to put themselves through college and med school independently of parental contribution than this program at Wayne State. https://provost.wayne.edu/wayne-med-direct That’s a long shot (highly competitive merit opportunity), so make sure you have some safeties on your list, too.
Do your grades convert to an unweighted 3.5 GPA?
If so, https://www.pvamu.edu/faid/types-of-aid/scholarships/university-scholarships/ may have a full ride for you.