My son received a financial aid award notice from NU. Note he’ll be a freshman and has yet to confirm enrollment.
I understand we have to re-apply every year for financial aid but say our situation remains the same, will the Northwestern Scholarship amount remain about the same as well the following years?
Would the school ever make a strong first year offer for the student to commit to enroll then drastically reduce it in the following years?
Usually schools do not bait and switch unless something significant changes with your personal finances/situation. You can call the FA office to confirm though.
Financial aid depends upon changes in your income, assets and taxes so no absolute guarantees. Keep it in mind that most private schools raise cost by 2-4% every year.
A school like NU wouldn’t bait and switch. It’s rich enough and wants to keep it’s graduation rate high.
I personally visited NU financial aid office and asked similar questions. For example, do they increase award in the following years if the tuition increases? How does the financial aid deal with study abroad quarters etc? The answers I got center on the estimated expected family contribution. If EFC does not change but tuition increases, the aid will increase accordingly. Interestingly, any additional external scholarship does not necessarily reduce their award. Overall, it’s worthwhile either visiting or calling the office to get clarity.
As a current student, who has just received aid next year and would be unable to go here without full aid, trust me you don’t have to worry.
Some colleges have a minimum GPA that is needed to maintain merit scholarships so you may want to ask about that.
@happy1, the Northwestern Scholarship is what NU calls it’s fin aid grant awards so there is no minimum other than remaining in good academic standing, so a 2.0 GPA.