<p>My D is an OOS student at a major state university. The tuition and housing costs are becoming painful. She has done extremely well in college thus far. Does anyone know about merit aid in such situations. We probably wouldn't qualify based on savings (although we are basically retired now).</p>
<p>I think it would really depend on the school. She should contact the financial aid office and see what they say.</p>
<p>Take a look at the financial aid website for the school. They may have a database of scholarships available where you can enter parameters for merit scholarships. They should list the requirements (GPA, major, anything else).</p>
<p>Perhaps there is some kind of departmental merit award for folks in your daughter’s major. Tell her to inquire there too. </p>
<p>It’s tough for upperclassmen to get scholarships when they haven’t previously gotten them. BUT it’s worth asking.</p>
<p>My son had earned several merit-based scholarships when he was accepted as a freshman. But when he transferred, those scholarships weren’t available…not surprising. Now, he’s at a small LAC (had not applied there from HS) and doing well. They’ve awarded him a “President’s award” which is merit-based. </p>
<p>I suggest your D speak to someone in the financial aide department. Maybe they have some merit aid programs that she can apply for.</p>
<p>Sometimes there’s departmental merit aid for students who majoring in that subject and are juniors or seniors.</p>
<p>If you go to the college’s website and go to the department of her major, that’s where they’d list such scholarships - if they offer them. If they do, there may be a deadline, so look for that.</p>
<p>BTW…if your savings is protected by some kind of retirement accounts, your D may qualify for some federal aid. But, since she’s at an OOS public, she probably won’t qualify for much else since most OOS publics can’t meet the need of OOS student.</p>
<p>Most OOS public can’t even meet the need of in-state students…</p>