<p>Is financial aid given to students of minority status? And if not, how much aid is given based on merit scholarships?</p>
<p>Financial aid is given to any U.S Citizen who qualifies for aid as determined by Carnegie Mellon. International students are not eligible to receive any sort of financial aid. CMU offers few merit based scholarships (I believe less than 20) but none of them are significant as far as I know. The strongest or most desired (including strong minorities) may receive more financial aid though (not in scholarships though, through grant).</p>
<p>Its important to know that the university only meets full need if you apply ED. You still get financial aid if you apply RD, but the amount of money (especially in grants) in significantly less. I know people who turned down Carnegie Mellon because they applied RD and didn’t receive enough aid. If money is an issue, you should strongly consider applying ED.</p>
<p>Also, cortana431’s post is completely accurate. The only thing I would add is that the scholarships, known as Carnegie Scholarships, are about $4000 per year. They are only awarded however to people who don’t demonstrate significant need.</p>
<p>Use this financial aid calculator -> <a href=“https://www.cmu.edu/admission/forms/fin_aid/[/url]”>https://www.cmu.edu/admission/forms/fin_aid/</a> it is very accurate, if filled out accurately with your parents data. And as FateGoneAwry16 said, the calculated need will only be met in full if you apply and are accepted early decision. If you get in regular decision, the amount of your need that is met will most likely be determined on how much carngie mellon wants you i.e how strong academically you are as well as your ec’s, essays, ethnicity etc.</p>