<p>Kdog044…just curious why you are surprised that this out of state student didn’t receive institutional aid from this college. The Penn State schools do NOT guarantee to meet full need of all accepted students. The need based aid usually comes in the form of federally funded aid…especially for OOS students. </p>
<p>This student could likely have gotten some significant merit awards to help his/her cause but it looks like he/she didn’t apply to schools that offer these awards. I have to wonder why this particular school would have been a top choice.</p>
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<p>OP…are your PARENTS moving to Pennsylvania this year? If not, you will not be a PA resident for instate tuition purposes. </p>
<p>Also, EXPECTING to get significant scholarships in subsequent years is iffy. You might…and you might not. Most school based awards are departmental, and are also usually not as much money as you seem to need.</p>
<p>Why would taking a gap year be so difficult? It could save you tens of thousands of dollars to apply to a list of schools where you WOULD receive guaranteed merit aid.</p>
<p>Also, EXPECTING to get significant scholarships in subsequent years is iffy. You might…and you might not. Most school based awards are departmental, and are also usually not as much money as you seem to need.</p>
<p>I agree! My older son won a continuing student scholarship from his dept (math). It was a ONE-TIME award…a whopping $800. lol. And, he was the top math student at the school. Graduated Summa Cum Laude, PBK, perfect 4.0 GPA. </p>
<p>My younger son received a ONE-TIME award for being a continuing student in chemical Engineering. It was for $1600 and it was given to cover a req’d summer class that all ChemE students take between jr and sr years. He has a 3.99 GPA (one A- in Spanish). </p>
<p>I know that it may seem odd to students that they won’t get much/any money for “good grades” while in college, but schools (or depts) really don’t have the funds or much incentive to give continuing students much money. And, besides, many students will have high GPAs. so there’s no way the school is going to be handing out thousands for “good grades.” </p>
<p>Merit scholarships are largely given to attract the best incoming frosh class. PSU isn’t known for merit…for incoming or continuing students. </p>
<p>PSU isn’t affordable.</p>