If you get admitted to a university/college, how do you know how much they are willing to pay for your tuition. So pretty much do they tell you in your acceptance letter that you've received a certain amount money/scholarship? Or do you just apply for financial aid? I never understood this.
It depends on the college. Some college include some merit scholarships in the acceptance letter. Other times, scholarships are in the financial aid package. For pure financial aid (grants, loans, work-study), you must apply for financial aid. Look at the college's financial aid form to find out how to apply. You will likely have to file the FAFSA after January 1.
Answered this on your identical post in college admissions, but here goes:
Check the financial aid information at the specific college, as they vary in policy. Some have automatic merit awards and some have an application process (one daughter had to go in for an interview after admission at one of the schools she was considering).
She did not have full information about her financial aid package from either school until March or early April. She knew the merit part, but not the need-based part until then.
