For a very high stat applicant with some need, then the merit money at NYU could be stronger than a need-based award. I’m thinking of middle class families with EFC’s that might result in discounted tuiton but nothing close to a full ride. For example, if familiy EFC is $25K, then you definitely are going to qualify for need based aid, but that isn’t going to be the equivalent of a full tuition scholarship.
But the OP in this thread is -0- EFC, which by definition means pretty close to a full ride for any 100% need school. (The 100% need schools still expect some sort of student contribution from earnings and most also require loans).
Or to put it another way – as your family EFC was too high, your D’s $11K scholarship was better than the -0- she was offered from Barnard. But if your family instead had $20K of demonstrated need, then you would probably have ended up with more money from Barnard (though perhaps if your daughter qualified for merit at NYU they would also have offered more favorable need-based aid).
@uskoolfish The major problem with merit aid is that it isn’t necessarily renewable, or you may have to meet special conditions to have it renewed. Need based aid is generally renewed, unless your financial circumstances change.
All of the merit aid both my D’s were offered was renewal for all 4 years of undergrad. That included merit aid from NYU, Brandeis, American, GW, Muhlenberg, and Pratt. In my research, schools that offer merit aid to incoming freshman without need, usually offer it as a 4 year package as part of a student’s “financial aid” offer.
While some other schools may have an academic threshold for merit rewards, I don’t remember the requirement for any of these schools being more than remaining in “good academic standing.” Her award from GW required her to be involved in vocal performance in some capacity on campus.
My younger D did receive a special art scholarship which she was nominated for by the art department and was awarded by an outside group after a review of her art. It was administered by NYU and was processed through the financial aid office. But it was made very clear along the way that it was a 2 semester award.
I received a “full ride” meaning my cost of attendance is 0 after a small few thousand dollars “loan”. so it is possible, and my stats are not insane. I have a good gpa and a very good but not perfect act score. I did not get into an ivy, I’m not a prodigy, its about story, value, and individuality.