<p>The only case in which the merit aid would not benefit the student’s family would be the rare occasion when 100% of the need is met with 100% grant money. Athletic scholarships reguire the studnet to continue playing the sport. Merit scholarships reguire maintaining a certain GPA. Need based aid reguires that your income remains in the range neccessary to be eligible for it. There is a certain symetry here.</p>