CSS Profile (NCP) interference with Merit Scholarships

Paying for College
1

Hi all,

Im still in the process of shortlisting universities as per my situation discusses in previous threads. Kinda tiring process. I have a question though. Some colleges which are CSS Profile and require NCP information are having some great competitive scholarships. Of course, I can’t submit the NCP info of the profile, but I’ll still apply for a waiver, though I’m pretty confident that they won’t issue a waiver. So if I get the waiver rejected and financial aid review will be stopped or put on hold or done something against my interest, will it affect my chance to win their competitive merit scholarships (some of which are full ride / full tuition) like Tulane, Tufts & Fordham and many others. And maybe if I don’t win their scholarship, I’ll just withdraw my application. So long story short - will rejection of NCP waiver at those profile schools hamper merit scholarship chances? And if they reject the waiver, only need based aid will not be granted, right?

2

Tufts does not offer any merit scholarships. Not sure about any of the others on your list.

3

IMO any school that advertises merit aid will decide that first before looking at the financials.

4

Unless the merit scholarship explicitly says that having financial need is a criterion for eligibility, or affects the amount of the award.

5

Honestly I would contact each schools financial aid office as it will vary. They should be able to tell you whether not filing the NCP, and having a waiver rejected will make you ineligible or not. Some will not tie merit to need at all. Others will, even for competitive and it is going to vary. It will also vary (and I don’t know your details) what the chances are of the waivers being accepted or not.

Not fun and I am sorry you have to deal with this.