How to research merit aid vs need-based aid

Paying for College
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Another thing with merit is recency of data. S20 had a school high on his list. Kids from his HS got significant merit two years earlier. He got some merit but nowhere near what he assumed he would get. A year could make all the difference.

You also have to determine quantity vs quality and where you fit. Some schools, including Pitt offer full ride scholarships. However, the number is small and they’re extremely competitive. Other schools offer merit but spread it out over more students. CDS info might help.

Apply to Pitt early to maximize merit potential.

If he’s a NMSF qualifier that could open up more possibilities.

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Thanks, yes, we’re in PA. He prefers smaller schools unless he gets into Penn State Honors program which is a small community within the school

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I do not know your son, and I do not know what you need the net cost to be…but you might want to take a look at the University of Delaware. Your son might make honors and receive merit (again, I do not know your family’s details) and he would also be part of a smaller community.

SUNY Geneseo is another school to look into. It is small and reasonably priced for OOS students (compared to other schools). It is also a very good school.

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Wash U gives merit…but merit is a reach for most. The school is a reach for most even without merit.

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Yeah, that College Transitions list says WUSTL gave out merit to 2% of its students. So, very, very hard to get.

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MeritMore.com for a basic overview. Section H2A of the Common Data Set for any college you’re considering will be the most up to date.

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