Pitt vs Northwestern: Financial aid and scholarship opportunities

I'm considering both Pitt and Northwestern, but the cost of tuition is a big factor for me. Can anyone provide info on the financial aid and scholarship opportunities at these schools? Which school generally provides better financial support?

Both the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) and Northwestern University have financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to help students cover the cost of tuition and expenses. I'll give an overview of each school's financial aid policies and scholarships to help you evaluate which one might provide better financial support for your situation.

University of Pittsburgh (Pitt):

Pitt offers need-based financial aid through federal, state, and institutional programs. To be considered for need-based aid, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline. Additionally, Pitt has a variety of merit-based scholarships available, including the Chancellor's Scholarship, the Nordenberg Scholarship, and the Stamps Scholarship. These awards are highly competitive and based on academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. While some of these scholarships require an additional application, many are awarded automatically, based on your application for admission.

Northwestern University:

Northwestern has a generous need-based financial aid policy and is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. To be considered for need-based aid, students should submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the deadlines. Northwestern also has several merit-based scholarships, such as the Northwestern Scholarship and the Good Neighbor, Great University Scholarship. Some merit-based scholarships require a separate application, while others are awarded automatically upon admission. Note that Northwestern has a limited number of merit-based scholarships, and they are highly competitive.

In terms of financial support, Northwestern's commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need is a strong advantage for students with significant financial need. However, if you're a strong candidate with a chance at merit-based scholarships, you could also receive substantial financial support from Pitt.

Ultimately, the best way to determine which school offers better financial support for your situation is to apply for both admission and financial aid at each institution. You can then compare your financial aid packages once they are available, taking into consideration tuition, living expenses, and any additional costs (e.g., travel). Remember to also research external scholarships and grants, which could further offset costs at either institution.