<p>There are many schools where SOME students receive generous scholarships…even full rides. BUT there are none on the OP’s list with the exception of NU that GUARANTEE to meet full need as the university calculates it…for ALL students who apply and are accepted.</p>
<p>As Violadad points out…the colleges are the ones that make the computation regarding family contribution and student need for financial aid purposes. For the OP’s list…he/she would fill out the FAFSA for ALL of the schools and the Profile additionally for NU. When my son applied to NU, he also had to fill out a finaid application form that was sent directly to the music department.</p>
<p>The SCHOOLS take the information provided and use their formula to figure out financial need. The federal funding would be a drop in the bucket, even if a student qualified for ALL of the aid provided by the feds (an EFC of $0). Schools meeting FULL NEED use their money to need based aid in excess of the federal dollars. The schools can use any formula they choose to award THEIR money. </p>
<p>We have known some students who got VERY generous aid to some music conservatories. We know NO ONE who has received a full ride as an undergrad, but do know a few students who received full rides as grad students. The AUDITION was the key element in these awards, not financial need.</p>