<p>So does UVa really offer any merit scholarships besides the Jefferson Scholars program? I was pretty set in going to Texas in November, but now I'm realizing that I could probably get a better deal out of state. I recently heard about the Echols program and am now quite interested in UVa.</p>
<p>I'm Texan, Latino, top 3% at a competitive Jesuit high school, 97 GPA, 1550/2350, NMSD, National Hispanic Scholar, Coke Scholar semi-finalist, and I have strong essays and great ECs and recs.</p>
<p>Is there any merit money available for OOS students? Particularly, is there a program for URMs like the Pogue at UNC? Do they still give National Merit Scholarships? The website doesn't really give much info.</p>
<p>The financial aid and Alumni Association websites have info about scholarships. The Admission Office doesn't have any money to award, but those groups do. There are scholarships for students of color...there is info on the Alumni Association website about those.</p>
<p>So basically, after looking at those websites, there's really nothing unless you are Virginian, African American, or have financial need.</p>
<p>What methodology does UVa use for financial need? For a family of four, what income level would qualify? My family makes about $140k a year, but we're out of state and have a lot of debt and low home equity. Would we have any chance to qualify for aid?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, if you don't fall into any of the above categories, your chances of receiving merit aid are VERY low. You have to be nominated by your HS to be considered for the Jefferson Scholarship. So if you haven't been told a long time ago by your HS that you are their choice, then you are not.
I'm not aware of any merit scholarships for entering first years that you can apply for. UVA just doesn't play the scholarship game like some top public universities do. I wish they had when I was applying last year, but no. Sorry.</p>
<p>Well UVA meets "100%" of demonstrated need... But that can be with loans, etc. As far as actual $$ goes, you need to research opportunities available around where you live. I know a lot of people from my high school got scholarships from companies/etc around our home town. I'm sure your guidance counselor would be a great resource for this kind of thing too (or... I hope? Some GCs are useless).</p>
<p>I've pretty much crossed UVa off of my list now. If I had known what I know now about UVa (especially about the Jefferson Scholars and Echols) I would have applied. It's a shame I made my initial decision so early.</p>
<p>Now I'm accepted to Plan II at Texas, and my January applications are only a money game. If I can get a better deal and into an honors program at a peer institution, I might just go. Otherwise the $20k cost of UT will win me over.</p>
<p>And UVa promises that no more than 25% of the cost of instate tuition will be loans if you qualify for financial aid. So I think this means that if you qualify, 100% of demonstrated need will be met, and like $5k max loans TOTAL, regardless of residency.</p>
<p>FYI: The Echols and Rodman scholars are just that-scholars, they get some academic perks about class requirements, but no $ per se. Follow your heart; if it's not right for you, then that's cool. Good luck in your pursuits.</p>
<p>Canuck, SEAS won't be looking at students until our offer list is finalized. I believe they make notification around the time offer letters are sent.</p>