<p>Hi! I intend to apply to Trinity University early decision, and am pretty sure I have the grades/scores to get in (3.6 UW, 4.1 W GPA, 2000/1380 SAT, 32 ACT [actually, might only be 31, need to check again] NHS, NJCL) and above-average EC's and community service, but money is still a big ole' problem. Would I qualify for a merit-based scholarship? And would a family with an EFC (FAFSA not yet completed, liberal estimate) of $27,000 qualify for need-based aid there? Or is this just a silly series of questions to ask? Also if you answer, brace yourself for a barrage of semi- to non-related follow-up questions about Trinity (sorry, it's just that it's the best and I love it.)</p>
<p>Assuming you’ve taken a rigorous course load, you probably will get a offer of merit aid from Trinity. In addition, it sounds like you will qualify for need based aid. </p>
<p>The think to consider is how Trinity treats recipients of both. At some schools your merit aid is basically credited toward need based aid so in the end you aren’t much ahead of where you would be with need based aid alone. Maybe others can speak to how Trinity is likely to handle the mix of aid.</p>
<p>Have you done the NPC on the Trinity site? It is (or used to be,anyhow) possible for both. The merit is usually for 4years, if you meet the required GPA. The FA varies from year to year, based on FAFSA, which you do each year.</p>
<p>It’s a wonderful school.</p>
<p>Ok, gloworm, will do that promptly! 
Is it accurate for the current and/or upcoming year? </p>
<p>Do/did you go there?</p>
<p>I am the parent of a happy 2011 graduate.</p>
<p>I don’t know about its accuracy. Those NPC things have only been available for a couple years, but most folks on CC say they are often accurate.</p>
<p>I believe you can qualify for both, contingent on the fact that you meet both criteria.
On a different note, they just had a college day event here in South Texas with reps from many different colleges & the the Trinity University rep was outstanding. By far the best of all the universities I spoke with. On the flip side the Rice reps were the WORST. Seriously snobby.</p>