Lurker here, posting for the first time! I have noticed that there are a few regular posters looking at Bienen for next year. We were also pleased with the need-based financial aid offer. Not to be greedy (and not really expecting it), but wondering whether any merit aid from Bienen would have come with the initial offer of admission, been included in the financial aid info just released, or might still be forthcoming? Thanks for any info!
The more I read, the more it sounds to me that any merit aid would have been figured into our assessed need and included in the offer. Best wishes to all on the musical journey!
Northwestern is almost exclusively need-based aid. Bienen is actually the only school within NU to give any merit aid but it’s typically been not large amounts and, from what I’ve been told, often more focused on grad students.
From our experience, designdad is correct. NU focuses on meeting need. Merit awards are also need informed.
Thank you for the replies. We are grateful for NU’s commitment to meeting need as it brings this school into the realm of possibility for our son!