Difference between meet full need and meets need colleges?

I've seen these terms used a lot on this subreddit, but I don't really understand the difference between meet full need and meets need colleges. Can someone please explain it to me? Thank you!

Sure, I'd be happy to explain the difference between "meet full need" and "meets need" colleges. The distinction between these two terms is mostly a matter of language usage, but they generally refer to the same concept. Both terms are used to describe institutions that strive to meet the financial need of their admitted students.

When a college is said to "meet full need" or "meets need," it means that the school commits to offering financial aid packages that will cover the difference between a student's expected family contribution (EFC) and the total cost of attendance (COA). In other words, these colleges ensure that the amount of money a family is expected to contribute, based on their financial circumstances, will be supplemented by a financial aid package to meet the total cost, including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Financial aid packages at these colleges typically consist of a mix of grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans. Each institution has its unique method for determining financial aid, and the specifics might vary. However, the primary goal of both "meet full need" and "meets need" colleges is to reduce the financial burden on students and their families, making it more feasible for students from various economic backgrounds to attend their institution.

It's important to note that "need" is determined by each college's financial aid office using information provided in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. So while these colleges aim to close the gap between EFC and COA, the student's need and EFC might be different from what the family actually believes they can afford.

In summary, "meet full need" and "meets need" colleges are essentially the same thing, referring to institutions that aim to supplement a student's financial resources with enough aid to cover the total cost of attendance. These colleges make higher education more accessible and financially manageable for families from a wide range of economic backgrounds.