Merit + Need? (Class of 2021)

eandesmom
Sun, 10 Jul 2016 01:14:10 +0000

The net price calculator may or may not show merit aid. It will show need based aid and loans. Some will be clear and others not. Best thing to do is run a net price calculator for each school of interest and compare. Generally what it says you will owe is an estimate that if you have rather normal financials (parents down own a business etc) are generally in the ballpark of what you can expect. If you are awarded additional merit not shown it reduces need so monies may simply be reallocated and you will still end up owing the same amount. Generally schools will expect you to pay your expected family contribution so need awards will leave that amount to be paid. Merit may not may not reduce that amount. Sorry there isn’t one clear answer but each achool really is different.

That said if you use net price calculator results as a conservative estimate is it likely somewhat safe planning as long as you account for increases over time.