<p>My d received a combination of “guaranteed” merit (NM, Presidential based on entering GPA and scores), a new merit award offered out of the blue, and a competed-for scholarship. Although she knew going in she would be offered the “guaranteed” awards, she also knows this money comes from somewhere. She has been excited to meet some of the donors of her non-“guaranteed” awards, and to write letters of thanks…for which she and we are very grateful. There has been no expectation of “entitlement” to awards, even the guaranteed ones, because those can disappear at any time based on the U’s funding, etc. For her, to be able to graduate from college debt-free is such a staggering gift that she is hoping to be able to meet and thank any and all donors who made it possible. We joke that we are going to find the grave marker of the named competitive award (a former U president) and lay flowers… It is a big deal, much appreciated, never an entitlement.</p>