<p>I have run into issues but also a lot of vagueness in dealings with FA offices when I ask this question. I'm considering both American University and George Washington University but I highly doubt my issue is specific to those two schools so if anyone can shed some light on the matter I'd be very appreciative. </p>
<p>I've been awarded an outside scholarship for full tuition at both schools (Through Army ROTC) but since room and board costs are still a substanial $14000 I rrally need to cut into that number to make it affordable. I've recieved cobflicting answers on whether institutional need or merit based aid can ONLY be used for tuition expenses or whether they can be used by the student to pay for room and board as well? Do some universities really restrict their need or merit based awards to tuition? If anyone has experience with this issue at these schools specifically or any other school, I would really appreciate help. This is the difference between being able to attend school there or not. Thanks </p>
<p>Yes, some schools do restrict merit based awards to tuition. Need based awards are dependent on the individual school’s packaging philosophy, so it definitely varies. The ONLY way to know for sure is to find a financial aid officer (not a phone or peer advisor) at each school who can discuss your personal situation with you.</p>
<p>I appreciate the speedy reply. And I know the beat way to handle this is through the school but I was literally told two completely different answers in 30 minutes by Admissions and then by Financial Aid over the phone. I do not know what to do.</p>
<p>I would believe what financial aid told you–they are the ones who will be putting together your financial aid package. I would try to get their answer in writing though. </p>
<p>Wow, I never knew that merit awards would be limited to tuition at any school. I know a number of kids who got full ROTC awards which meant full tuition, who then got further merit money from the school that was put towards room and board, discretionary expenses. Many schools do have full ride merit scholarships that definitely would cover more than tuition. But anything goes with a school’s own money.</p>
<p>Financial aid would not likely be the ones dealing with merit scholarships. Pure merit money is usually distributed by Admissions and they give it out usually to those that they want most and do not look at need or other merit awards in making the distribution. However, when you file gets to the Financial aid department, what they USUALLY do, is subtract your awards off of your need, which then gives you a reduced need number, and then they go to it using their formulas to meet what need is left. </p>
<p>My cousins son got a full tuition ROTC scholarship, but received it late in the process, so the award amount was subtracted from need package beginning with his self help. So he still got a little bit in need grants from his school and was able to borrow his full $5500 in Direct Loans towards his EFC. I always wondered if fin aid had gotten word of that ROTC award BEFORE they gave him his package, if they would have subtracted it from his need and he would have gotten zero grants and just the Direct Loans instead of the grants he got. I say this because in his subsequent years he has gotten no more need grants and only the Direct Loans. We are not talking a huge amount in lost grant money, but still, it’s an issue. He would be close to a full ride if he had the Direct loans to put towards his EFC instead of being included in his need package.</p>
<p>Generally, the phrase I see is that the awards “cannot exceed the total cost of attendence.” This suggests that awards can be applied to room and board. Nevertheless, every school has different policies, and different awards have different limitations. Go straight to the college. There is no other way. I agree, the FA people are the ones to believe. Might also talk to the Bursars Office.</p>
<p>Also, many colleges offer free room and/or board if you bring your ROTC scholarship there. Examples include: Tulane University, Marquette, Vanderbilt, Ripon College, Coe College, and more. HOWEVER, admissions are closed for many of these. Sorry… but it is time to scramble like a quarterback!</p>
<p>I’ve seen a few scholarships state that they can only be used for tuition, and if not needed for tuition are forfeited if not needed. Usually, these are from private foundations or professional societies, such as a chemistry group. I don’t know if it is a tax matter for these groups or if they don’t want the money refunded to the student if the student has too many scholarships.</p>
<p>My daughter’s athletic scholarship states that it is for tuition (and there are lines that are for R&B and book, but they are blank). It should be okay for this year as the merit and athletic are just short of tuition, and we can use any other aid for R&B, but I’ll watch that next year.</p>