Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid

<p>Question - The approximate cost of a year at Northeastern is around 40,000, and the EFC is 33,000. Got a merit scholarship for 9,000 freshman year and 4,500 per full semester after that. Do they usually subtract the 9,000 from the 40,000 or does the 9,000 get subtracted from the EFC of 33K... Confusing!!!! ( I know they don't always meet 100% of financial need either) Admitted to the nursing program through EA, recieved the merit scholarship letter today - still waiting for the notice from the financial aid department.</p>