I’m considering applying to a college through QuestBridge regular decision and am curious about how financial aid works if I go that route. Does the process differ much from regular financial aid applications?
Financial aid with QuestBridge Regular Decision works somewhat similarly to the financial aid process for other students. As a QuestBridge applicant, you'll still need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, for most schools, CSS PROFILE, just like any other applicant. These forms are used to determine your family's financial needs.
The main difference is that if you are admitted to a college through QuestBridge Regular Decision, you will not necessarily receive the same "full-ride" financial aid package that QuestBridge Match Scholars receive. Instead, the college determines your financial aid package based on their standard aid policies.
Importantly, each college partnered with QuestBridge has a strong commitment to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This means that your family's expected contribution will be the same no matter which of these schools you attend.
For example, at a QuestBridge partner like Stanford University, the expected parent contribution is zero for families making less than $65,000, families with typical assets making $65,000-$125,000 pay on average from 0-10% of their household income, and families with typical assets making $125,000-$225,000 pay on average 10-20% of their income.
Remember also that financial aid is annual, so you'll need to reapply for aid each year you're in college.
In sum, the financial aid process for QuestBridge Regular Decision largely mirrors the process for other applicants, but keep in mind that the full scholarship offered through the National College Match won't necessarily apply to Regular Decision. However, all QuestBridge partner schools are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated needs, ensuring affordability for low-income students.
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