I’m a high school junior deciding whether or not to consider applying to RIT this fall. I looked at RIT’s website and saw that their maximum merit scholarship award amount was $18,000 a year. If I were to receive this, RIT’s cost would just about reach my EFC (according to net price calculators), but it would still be unaffordable.
Is merit aid applied after need-based aid is given, or would I not receive any need-based aid if a merit scholarship brought RIT’s cost below my EFC?
Use their Net Price Calculator. They do offer both merit aid and grants but as you mention, if the merit gets you to your EFC then you won’t get any grants.
Just wanted to add - every college I have ever seen uses this same formula. If merit aid brings you near or below your EFC, it is unlikely they will offer additional need-based aid. In your situation, you may want to look for a school that offers very large merit scholarships (that you could qualify for, obviously), as a way to get costs lower.