If anyone can help, I would love to know what my chances for merit aid are for:
One of the highest GPAs in my class. I’m definitely top 10% and likely top 5%. SAT is 1560.
I’m not in-state for any of these schools.
My daughter didn’t see a cent from Lehigh. Hopefully someone will chime in about the other schools.
Do you know what your budget is?
If you are interested in chasing merit there are lots of threads with lists of the most generous schools.
https://www.uvm.edu/studentfinancialservices/scholarships_prospective_out_of_state_resident_students UVM gives merit aid but its tuition for out-of-state students is very high, so the merit aid wouldn’t necessarily make the school affordable. How much can your parents pay per year?
Good chance for merit at Northeastern, if admitted. How much is anyone’s guess. Will you be an NMF finalist? If so $30,000/year merit.
Lehigh gives primarily need based aid. Same with Wash U. And as noted…the NEU merit aid is possible but that school also is moving towards mostly need based aid. Merit at all three is highly competitive.
Vermont…yes, they give merit awards to OOS students.
How much merit aid do you need to attend these schools? All are pretty costly…so even a $30,000 award would leave you with a huge balance to pay.
Zero chance at WashU.
I agree with @brantly about WashU in St. Louis. There are some merit aid scholarships that can be applied for, but they are far and few so I would not count on it happening. Check out their website to find out the specifics for their merit scholarships. As long as you are aware of this and don’t expect to receive any of the merit scholarships, you should apply if NPC is within your acceptable range.
As an FYI, I personally have run the NPC several times (as if it might miraculously change) and it is one of the most expensive schools for my D to attend coming in at around $69k/year with like a $2,000 grant (thanks WUSTL). This is based on a $175k income with $160k in a 529 plan. Also, you will note that WUSTL encourages you to contact your specific regional Financial Aid officer if you want to truly know your financial outlay. They mention that the NPC may not be an accurate figure and they encourage you to check with your assigned financial aid rep to discuss your financial specifics. I would do this if this school is truly a top choice school for you. We haven’t done so yet because my D is only a junior, but will personally contact financial aid before she applies to make sure we can afford it assuming she doesn’t receive any merit aid.
Good luck to you!
Not likely at all.
Schools like WashU tend to give their merit to students who help them with their ethnic diversity numbers and/or students who they believe will get into HYPS, and they’re hoping to poach.