How Does Financial Aid Work at Willamette?

I'm planning on applying to Willamette University and I've been trying to look into their financial aid. Does anyone have any insights into how they distribute financial aid? What types of scholarships/grants do they usually provide? Is their financial aid generous or not compared to other schools?

Willamette University provides various types of financial aid packages, and they consist of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. When assessing financial aid, the school takes into account your family's financial need and your academic merit.

In terms of merit-based aid, Willamette offers both academic and talent scholarships. The academic scholarships are granted based on your academic performance in high school. The talent scholarships, named Atkinson, Fine Arts, and Debate, are given to students who demonstrate exceptional talent.

As for the need-based aid, it could come in the form of federal and state grants, work-study opportunities, and institutional aid. The amount you receive would depend on your family's income and assets, as outlined in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To have a close estimate of the financial aid you might receive, you can use Willamette's Net Price Calculator. This will give you an idea of what your family might be expected to contribute and what financial aid you might expect to receive.

Regarding the generosity of the financial aid, it often varies depending on individual circumstances. However, it's important to note that according to their website, around 99% of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of around $28,000.

Lastly, remember that financial aid packages can change year to year based on your financial circumstances, so maintain open communication with the financial aid office to understand what you can expect.