For merit aid do you need to submit a financial aid form?

[Anonymous]

My husband recently lost his job but we are savers so our assets I think put us out of contention for financial aid. However Merit Aid would be welcome. Do colleges offer Merit Aid if the FARSA is not submitted?

[Anonymous]

Absolutely yes!
And in fact, it may be an advantage for merit to not apply for financial aid. Merit is often used as a “discount” or incentive to attract top students who can (at least theoretically) afford full pay but would love to save money.

[Anonymous]

We didn’t submit a FAFSA and DD got many merit aid offers. It usually says right on their webpage or you can even contact the school and ask.

[Anonymous]

There are a handful of schools that require a FAFSA for merit aid, but it’s unusual. Look at the financial aid web site for the school. The theory, for those that require it, is that they want to confirm that a student doesn’t qualify for financial aid before they award merit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a handful of schools that require a FAFSA for merit aid, but it’s unusual. Look at the financial aid web site for the school. The theory, for those that require it, is that they want to confirm that a student doesn’t qualify for financial aid before they award merit.

This.

OP, such schools exist, but it is not common. Check your kid's schools before bothering with the form.

My three kids were awarded merit at several schools. We've never done the FAFSA.