Information on Merit Schools

Does anyone have a solid definition/explanation of what a merit school is? How do they differ from regular schools and what are some examples?

A "merit school" generally refers to a school that is known to offer a significant amount of merit-based aid. Rather than factoring in family income or financial need, merit scholarship decisions are based largely on academic achievements, test scores, talents, or other personal characteristics. These schools are appealing to high-achieving students and their families because they offer the opportunity to get a high-quality education at a reduced cost.

The key difference between a merit-based school and regular schools lies in the scholarship opportunities they offer. While virtually all schools provide some form of merit scholarships, a merit school awards a larger percentage of these scholarships. They may have numerous grant and scholarship programs set aside specifically to attract top-tier students.

Examples could include Tulane University or the University of Southern California, both of which are known for their generous merit aid offerings. However, numerous other colleges and universities also offer substantial merit aid.

Keep in mind, merit-aid schools can be competitive. These schools often attract high-achieving students competing for the same scholarships. Additionally, not all students who qualify for merit aid will receive it, due to the limited number of scholarships available. It's a good idea to look at a school's scholarship page or talk to an admissions representative to get a sense of your chances.