Stressed junior here, started the college search process and financial aid will be a major factor in my decision. What colleges are known for giving the most aid? Need-based, merit-based, any kind of aid info is appreciated!
Having financial constraints is undoubtedly challenging when considering college applications, so I'm glad that you've asked this question. There are a number of schools out there that have substantial financial aid programs.
Firstly, Ivy League schools, including Yale, Princeton, and Harvard, are particularly generous with need-based aid. Families with income less than $65,000 usually pay nothing towards the cost of attendance at these institutions. Even families that earn up to $200,000 might qualify for some aid.
A college with a strong merit-aid policy is the University of Southern California (USC). USC offers a few full-ride scholarships, like the Mork Family Scholarship, and half-tuition scholarships, like the Presidential Scholarship.
Vanderbilt University is another school to consider. They meet 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need with a no-loan policy, meaning that they replace student loans in financial aid packages with grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid.
Duke University is also known for its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need and has a no-loan policy for families of the Carolinas making under $65,000.
Moreover, remember there are a number of schools, like Davidson College and Colby College, who have "no-loan" policies, meaning their financial aid packages do not include loans, only grants, which do not need to be paid back.
State schools, like the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, are also known for generous financial aid packages, especially for in-state students.
In terms of need-blind aid for international students, there's a limited list: MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Amherst.
These are just a few examples, and it's important to do thorough research for each college you're interested in. Many have net price calculators on their financial aid websites, which you can use to get a preliminary estimate of what your financial support might look like.
With strategic planning and a well-researched list, you will find a school that is a good fit academically and financially. Good luck in your college search!
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