Hey everyone, I'm starting to look at colleges and, like a lot of us, finances are a pretty big deal for me. I know some schools give more financial aid than others. Does anyone know which colleges offer the most money in terms of grants or needs-based aid? Looking for any advice on where to apply that might be more generous. Thanks!
Sure, I can share some insight on that. Many schools do have a commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, and a handful even have no-loan policies, meaning they replace loans with grants in the financial aid package.
Ivy League schools, along with many other top-tier institutions (Stanford, MIT, etc.), typically fall into this category. Two Ivies, Princeton and Harvard, stand out particularly for their generous financial aid policies.
Other institutions, such as Amherst College and Pomona College, are also known for their generosity. Additionally, some high-endowment public institutions like University of Virginia and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill meet 100% of demonstrated need for their students.
It's also important to consider schools that offer significant merit scholarships. Some universities like University of Alabama offer full tuition scholarships based on GPA and test scores. While these awards are often competitive, they're definitely worth researching if you're eligible.
Remember to use the net price calculators available on each college's website to get an estimate of what you might actually pay, as your family's specific financial situation will be taken into account.
Finally, don't shy away from applying to colleges with hefty sticker prices if you have need. Quite often, these colleges are the ones that have the most financial aid to give. Best of luck with your searching!
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