Does how much a college wants you affect how much financial aid they give you?

Applying to College
1

<p>Sorry if this question has been asked before; I did a search but I wasn’t able to find anything.</p>

<p>I want to know when a top college is determining your financial aid package, is it done purely using a formal based on your family’s income/expenses?
OR do they give you a little more financial aid if you’re a top top top student and they reallllly want you to attend?</p>

<p>I know it’s based mainly on family income and savings and things like that, but does how much they want you affect your financial aid package at all? Or is it based solely on need?</p>

<p>(I am NOT talking about merit scholarships. I know those are given out on merit. I am talking about financial aid.)</p>

2

<p>Yes, since most colleges aren’t able to meet the full financial need of all of their accepted students, in many cases, how much a college wants you will affect your financial aid. The exceptions are places like Harvard, Amherst, UVA, which meet the demonstrated financial need of all accepted students.</p>

<p>Oh, and colleges also use merit scholarships to attract the students whom they want most.</p>

3

<p>Yes, there is “preferred packaging” in Institutional FA offers for students that a college really wants.</p>

4

<p>Thanks, I appreciate the responses :)</p>