<p>If you get a merit scholarship, is that amount added on to the grant that a college gives you? Does it depend on the college?</p>
<p>In other words, say the tuition is 40,000, and you get a 10,000 scholarship and can pay 20,000. Does that mean the college will give you a total of 20,000 (based on need)+10,000 (based on merit)=30,000?</p>
<p>If the college does not do that, what then is the point of a merit scholarship?</p>
<p>What an individual college 'gives' you in the way of an aid package is dependent on your EFC, (which is dependent on the family assets and income), as well as that particular college's policy on aid (how much they cover, and what % is grant aid vs. loans and student aid).</p>
<p>Now, if you get an outside merit scholarship, they will reduce their aid package by the same amount. Some schools will reduce their grant aid, others will reduce loans or work study. Ask the school.</p>
<p>Merit scholarships are great for those who won't be eligible for need-based aid. Often less helpful for those who will be getting need-based aid.</p>
<p>I answered you on Rice board, but it is basically same as what sblake7 says.</p>
<p>So here is my question. If a certain school gave me say $3000 less in merit aid (straight academic scholarship) than others schools in the same price range, do you have any ability to question them about why or if more? One school came in three less than 2 of my other schools and I am still waiting on some finals from others. Unfortunately that is one of my favorites. This school has consistently given me great feedback and clearly are interested in me. I know I can question the need aid but how do you approach the merit aid?</p>