Southern Illinois University Edwardsville financial aid options?

I'm considering applying to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, but I'm a bit stressed about the financial aspect. What kinds of financial aid packages or scholarships does SIUE offer to incoming freshmen?

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) offers a variety of financial aid options for incoming freshmen. Here are few you might consider:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: SIUE offers a number of merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen, two of the largest being the Meridian Scholarship and the Cougar Pride Scholarship. To be eligible for these, you must be a first-time freshman and meet specific GPA and ACT/SAT score requirements. Don't forget that these types of scholarships are automatic and require no separate applications.

2. Need-Based Aid: You'll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 to determine your eligibility for need-based aid. This might include Pell Grants, FSEOG Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study jobs.

3. State Aid: The Illinois Commitment program covers tuition and fees for in-state students whose families earn $67,100 or less.

4. Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments offer scholarships for students pursuing specific majors. These vary by department, so it's best to check with the department of your intended major for details.

5. Outside Scholarships: Don't forget to pursue scholarships outside of those offered by SIUE. These can come from civic organizations, corporations, or even private individuals. Remember that tools like Appily can help you find these additional scholarships.

As a tip, you might consider using the net price calculator on SIUE's financial aid page to get a clearer picture of what you might pay after scholarships and grants. Good luck!