<p>UR admissions or Spider admissions, hi!!!!</p>
<p>would you please explain how exactly the combination of scholarship/need bassed aid works? i am a little bit confused .... thanks!</p>
<p>I'm sorry it took a few days to reply to this message. The letter "C" had gone out on my keyboard at home and it's hard to get much done when you've lost a letter!</p>
<p>I'm not certain I understand the question but I'll give it a shot. Please write back if I've missed the mark entirely. </p>
<p>Maybe you are wondering what happens when you both receive a merit-based scholarship and are eligible for need-based aid. The answer will depend on how much need-based aid you are eligible for. If the amount of the merit award exceeds your eligibility, then you'll received just the merit award. If the amount of the merit awards is less than your eligibility, you'd receive need-based aid to cover the difference between the merit and your total eligibility. I know that you'd be thrilled if we could give you the merit award plus the total amount of need-based aid, but that is a government regulation, not a University policy. </p>
<p>If you are receiving scholarships from sources other than the University (and you are receiving need-based aid) then the University must lower your total aid by the amount of the scholarship. (Schools that don't lower your total aid in this circumstance must not have met 100% of your need in the first place--Richmond meets 100% of need for every US citizen/permanent resident which is more generous than most institutions.) Many universities would reduce the amount of grant aid (free money, the kind you really want lots of in your aid package) but at Richmond we use that to reduce the amount you will have to borrow, therefore reducing your endebtedness upon graduation. </p>
<p>Please let me know if you don't understand. Also, remember you are always welcome to call or e-mail the financial aid office any time with your particular questions about your situation. They are happy to explain your aid offers to you. The phone number is 804-289-8438 and e-mail address is <a href="mailto:finaid@richmond.edu">finaid@richmond.edu</a>. </p>
<p>UR Admissions</p>