I have been accepted to a private liberal arts college that offered me a grant of 40,000 to attend. It is a really prestigious university with a small student pop. The grant would allow me to attend for the same price as my in state school, however, it states that the offer lasts only for one year. I’m still not sure if it is need-based and possibly renewable. If it is not renewable then my parents would probably not be able to pay for it. If anyone could offer any clarification I would be really grateful!!
@cx1023 That’s something you would need to find out from the school itself. My son had to turn down his top choice school cause he received a grant/scholarship. We checked and they said it was “likely” that he would receive it all 4 years but not guaranteed. He said he didn’t want to go through his freshman year living on “likely”, so he said no and accepted the offer at his second choice which was stated , writing, renewable for 4 years.
So, just email to find out!
This is what you absolutely need to know. It’s a very simple question. Contact the school’s financial aid office and ask. Easy-peasy.
Yes they are renewable but they do not always guarantee the same amount. Need based awards are based off of the information your family provides in the FASFA each year and will be adjusted accordingly.
You’re making the assumption that OP is asking about a need-based award. OP has said he/she is not sure if it’s a need-based award. That’s why contacting the school’s FA office is the next step.
Easy - Peasy indeed !!! Just ask !! And check the verbiage. Most of his awards said 4 years, 8 semesters and he got one today that looked the same with the #4, but on a second read, realized it was for 4 semesters only, not four years ! Sneaky… that one 
And @trippfolsom , even if it IS need based, it’s not technically auto renewed since it’s based on the FAFSA which has to be filed EVERY year . But again, can’t assume the OP is even talking about a need based award . Still not the right answer to provide cause it depends .
@cx1023 Any reason you HAVEN’T Contacted the FA office at this school to get your answer ? It really is the only way . No need to speculate. They expect questions. You might even be able to work up some more $$$ in that conversation if you talk to them about what you posted .If you don’t ask, you don’t get ! That’s my financial aid philosophy !
@BenniesMom1 you are right in suggesting to go straight to FA office. I’m trying to help a neighbor and the phone lines at FA offices across the country are so busy and so hard to get through to right now.
I decided reaching ANYBODY at a closed university now is fruitless. They’re all working online from their homes so the best way to reach them is via email. All the places I’ve been in contact with have been super responsive. I know phone is the ideal way to go, but unless you can make an appointment (those accepted student days have financial aid webinars and interviews you can schedule), it’s fruitless trying to actually speak with someone. This is where your essay writing skills come into play. Write a VERY catchy email. They work !!
I have just reached out to them through email. Didn’t know why I waited so long to get this confirmed but thanks for the advice!!