Top colleges for scholarship money?

Hey guys, I'm wondering about this: which colleges give out the most scholarship money? Definitely want to lessen the financial burden as much as possible... Thanks!

When it comes to colleges known for substantial scholarship opportunities, you might consider private schools, several of which have deeply established and extensive financial aid programs. Ivy League schools, in particular, are known for their generous financial aid. Schools like Princeton, Harvard, and Yale promise to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students without requiring them to take out loans, but rather through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study.

Vanderbilt also follows a similar need-based policy where admitted students have 100% of their demonstrated financial need met without loans. Other schools, like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, have programs such as the Carolina Covenant, which promises to meet 100% of financial need through grants, scholarships or federal work-study.

Outside of these need-based programs, there are also colleges known for giving out substantial merit-based scholarships. For instance, schools such as the University of Southern California, Tulane, and Boston University offer significant merit aid packages to top students.

Remember, merit-based scholarships are typically awarded to students with exceptional academic records, involvement in extracurricular activities, and often, standardized test scores.

Finally, don't forget the importance of applying for external scholarships, which are offered by many different organizations and can be used at any university.

Always make sure to research each school's specific policies, as offerings may change from year to year. Also, utilizing their net price calculator can give you an insight into the potential financial aid package. It's an excellent way to get a sense of which schools may be more affordable for you.