<p>And that is the fundamental problem of merit-based scholarship funding. I know, I know, I work at an institution which doesn't have the same pressures at most, but I have only been here for 4 years and have worked in many other institutions that did face the same enrollment pressures. When families start applying to colleges because the cost can be reduced by merit (which I don't blame families for) the result is less money for those who truly need it.</p>
<p>Nash, the benefit of the merit will be to reduce what you might have to get in loans or work... Or to give grants to students who don't need them...</p>
<p>There is the problem, "give grants to students who don't need them" thereby leaving less for students who do.</p>