<p>How is information about merit aid usually received? My best friend got merit aid, and I didn't, which is really odd to me because I have higher SATs, a higher GPA/class rank, more extracurriculars, and am WAY above the averages for Binghamton. I'm not jealous of my friend's merit aid, but I don't understand why she would receive it and I wouldn't, which is why I'm wondering if I'm just not looking for it properly. As it is now, Binghamton has the worst aid out of all of my colleges AND is the least selective of all of them -- not a good combination.</p>
<p>Bing does not typically award merit aid to incoming students as far as I know. It does have some merit aid for upperclassmen.</p>
<p>Are you sure it is not need based aid your friend received?</p>
<p>Are you sure your friend is being truthful?</p>
<p>All you should care about is net price (out of pocket) to you considering your other options. You should not care about how the number was reached. </p>
<p>If you get a better deal to go elsewhere, then go ahead and go.</p>
<p>I am looking at net price; I was just wondering if I can expect merit aid to come that will reduce that price. My friend isn’t lying, but it’s possible she mistook her need-based aid for merit aid. Thanks for the info!</p>
<p>Hi! My name is Rob and I’m a Binghamton University Student Ambassador.</p>
<p>All financial aid given to freshmen at this time has a need-based component to it. Some scholarships and aid will combine both need-based and merit-based criteria, but financial need is always considered.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that many scholarships at Binghamton are not decided upon until the summer or even later. I had a large scholarship added to my financial aid award in July before my freshmen year while I was at Orientation, another smaller one added in August, and a final one added once I was already at school in September. It’s possible that you will receive more aid than is indicated there currently if you have displayed financial need and are a strong student. I wouldn’t count on it, though, as you of course have to make your college decision on what you can see currently.</p>
<p>Definitely make sure you’re comparing apples-to-apples. Always ask this to yourself when comparing costs: What is the total cost of attending this college? Is that the number I’m getting from the college?</p>
<p>The number of $23,000 that Binghamton releases as the average cost of attendance is NOT the amount you’ll be directly billed by the university. That number includes travel expenses, personal expenses, and books and supplies. If you compare that cost of attendance number to another university’s tuition, fees, and room and board, then you’re comparing apples to oranges. Also, as was already mentioned, ensure that you’re comparing net cost, not total financial aid award. If you’re looking at private schools, then they often give out some awards that are larger than the total cost of attending Binghamton to some students and STILL cost more on net than Binghamton University. The percent off the price tag isn’t what matters - it’s the amount that you have to pay that does.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have any other questions!</p>
<p>~Rob</p>
<p>Rob, Are merit scholarships awarded in the summer for upperclassmen as well?</p>
<p>YippeeSkipee: The only reason I know the merit scholarships are sometimes awarded in the summer is because of my own ones, so I’m unsure if that is also done for upperclassmen scholarships. Sorry.</p>
<p>~Rob</p>
<p>Thanks for the info, but keeping in mind net cost rather than amount of aid, Binghamton is still more expensive than all the super-high-tuition private colleges I’ve gotten into, which all only offer need-based aid. So yeah, definitely not going to Binghamton. Thanks, though!</p>