Hey guys! As I start my college search, I'm wondering what colleges are known for being especially generous with financial aid? I'm not just talking about need-based aid, but also merit scholarships. Would appreciate any suggestions!
Sure, there are several institutes known for their extensive financial aid programs, for both needs-based and merit-based aid.
To start with, schools like Princeton University, Harvard University, and Yale University, despite their high tuition costs, provide strong need-based financial aid packages. They have a "no-loan" policy – financial aid packages provided by these schools do not include loans, meaning students are not obligated to pay back anything. At Harvard, for example, families who earn less than $65,000 a year aren't expected to contribute to the college costs. Similar policies are practiced at Princeton, Yale, and several other Ivy League colleges.
For merit-based aid, you might look at schools like Duke University, Vanderbilt University, or Emory University. All three are known for offering substantial merit-based scholarships. Vanderbilt, for instance, has three signature merit scholarships which cover full tuition and offer a summer stipend for research/study abroad. The University of Southern California also offers half to full tuition scholarships to National Merit Finalists.
State universities also offer financial aid and scholarships. For instance, the University of Alabama provides generous merit scholarships based on GPA and standardized test scores.
Remember, the aid provided can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and the charms of your application. It's important to utilize each school's net price calculator to get a more accurate estimate of what you'll be expected to pay.
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