Which schools are considered the best for merit scholarships?

I'm aiming high when it comes to getting merit scholarships. Does anyone have insights on which colleges or universities are known for offering substantial merit aid to incoming students?

The generosity of a school's merit-based scholarships can greatly vary, but there are a few notable institutions known for their substantial merit aid offerings.

Colleges such as University of Alabama and University of Arizona are well-known for their automatic merit scholarships. These scholarships are typically based on a combination of GPA and SAT or ACT scores. The higher your scores and grades, the higher the scholarship you're likely to receive.

Schools like University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, and Boston University offer competitive merit-based scholarships, such as the USC Trustee Scholarship, Vanderbilt’s Ingram Scholars program, and Boston University's Trustee Scholarship. These are full-tuition scholarships that are highly competitive and require a separate application or additional essays.

Other colleges known for good merit-based aid programs include Tulane University and Northeastern University. Tulane offers both full and partial scholarships to applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, and Northeastern's University Scholars Program offers a range of benefits including tuition scholarships and stipends.

Despite this, it's important to note that merit-based financial aid tends to be less prevalent at Ivy League schools and other highly selective colleges, as these institutions often prioritize need-based financial aid. As a rule, always check with the specific college or university and their financial aid department for the most accurate information on their scholarship offerings.