The scholarship is merit-based at Oberlin, renewable for 4 year. Sounds like that is the big benefit over grants that can change from year to year. (but at school that meets 100% of need regardless maybe not such a big factor unless we win the lottery).
Sybbie at this point I don’t really want anything to happen as I think my original assumptions have been proven out which has been valuable:
- D is a great student with great options. We should be thankful and proud that she was able to earn offers of acceptance to these selective schools that meet 100% of family need.
- The schools have met their commitments to fund 100% of family need. Grants and merit scholarship are the mechanisms used to do so, a not an indicator of applicant "superpowers".
- Based on above, there is probably no use trying to negotiate additional aid. No change in financial status, "The need has been met, and you don't get upset."
- Are they affordable? They are the lowest priced options we have other than one school that comes just a bit lower at $25k. We will find a way via loans, and more frugal living for a while.
D2 will be along in 2 years to make things interesting all over again!