<p>Do you need to fill out FAFSA to receive merit aid?
Based on our income we will not receive need based aid.</p>
<p>I have heard on these boards that at some schools, you must complete FAFSA to be eligible for merit aid, even if you don’t qualify for need-based aid. I couldn’t tell you which schools, or what percentage of schools have that policy. Someone will be along soon to give you more complete info.</p>
<p>Or the OP could look at the websites of the school(s) under consideration to read up on this, as no one here knows which school(s) might be of interest. As it DOES vary from school to school, checking with each school one is interested in is necessary.</p>
<p>As owlice said, it really does depend on the school, and should say on their website. But not filing FAFSA also means that you won’t be offered Plus and Stafford loans, if that’s a consideration.</p>
<p>As already stated, yes, many schools do require the FAFSA for merit aid. And it is also how you get the Staffords.</p>
<p>I can’t think of a reason why not to file the FAFSA, unless you have a deathly allergy to paperwork. But the online form has cured that as well.</p>