Colleges Offering Merit-Based Aid?

I know merit-based aid is quite competitive. I've been trying to strategize my applications and I am wondering if there are colleges known for offering less merit-based aid, so I can weigh my chances better.

While many colleges and universities offer merit-based aid, the extent to which they do varies significantly.

For example, schools like Tulane University, Boston University, and University of Miami in Florida are known for offering generous merit aid to a significant portion of their student body. Similarly, the University of Richmond, Furman University, and University of Southern California are among institutions that offer full-ride scholarships on merit basis. Always remember, however, that such awards are usually highly competitive and given to top-tier applicants.

On the other hand, most Ivy League institutions and other highly selective schools (Stanford, MIT, Caltech, etc.) do not offer merit-based scholarships. Instead, they focus heavily on need-based financial aid, with many offering to meet 100% demonstrated need. A part of their mission is to make their education affordable for students of all economic backgrounds, so if you qualify, these schools may be able to offer you a hefty financial aid package based on your family's income and circumstances.

Keep in mind that it's always a good idea to explore each prospective college's financial aid webpage or reach out to their financial aid offices directly for the most accurate and specific information pertaining to their policies. But overall, a general rule of thumb is: the more selective the school is, the less likely they are to offer merit-based aid.