Financial Aid Surprises

[Anonymous]

Has anyone who completed the NPC been surprised, pleasantly or unpleasantly, by the financial aid offered? NPC shows we won’t qualify for financial aid and I’m wondering if it’s worth it to fill out the FAFSA at all. We’re targeting instate publics and a few OOS publics and privates that may give some merit. But there are a couple schools that are likely full pay and I’m wondering if we should take them off the list.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Npc at Clemson said we would get zero. Was offered $24k per year. Npc at W&M said we would get $10k and was offered $5k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Npc at Clemson said we would get zero. Was offered $24k per year. Npc at W&M said we would get $10k and was offered $5k.

Was that merit aid from Clemson or actual need-based aid?

[Anonymous]

OP to clarify, I’m not talking about merit aid. I understand those are a wild card. I’m talking about schools that do NOT offer merit aid but surprised applicants with FA not expected from the NPC.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but the financial aid was less than the NPC predicted, not more. This happened at Yale, Bates and Tufts.

[Anonymous]

My understanding is you should always complete a FAFSA even if you know you won’t get any aid. Most schools won’t consider you for financial aid later if you didn’t submit a FAFSA in the beginning. Not at all sure why that would be, but have heard it from multiple reliable sources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is you should always complete a FAFSA even if you know you won’t get any aid. Most schools won’t consider you for financial aid later if you didn’t submit a FAFSA in the beginning. Not at all sure why that would be, but have heard it from multiple reliable sources.

Some schools require the FAFSA in order to be considered for merit aid. Our school counselor said always, always fill it out.

[Anonymous]

Both Pomona and Wesleyan surprised us pleasantly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is you should always complete a FAFSA even if you know you won’t get any aid. Most schools won’t consider you for financial aid later if you didn’t submit a FAFSA in the beginning. Not at all sure why that would be, but have heard it from multiple reliable sources.

Some schools require the FAFSA in order to be considered for merit aid. Our school counselor said always, always fill it out.

People say this, I don’t think this is true, or at least, nobody has been able to name a specific school that requires it for merit. Didn’t fill it out and was offered lots of merit at many schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is you should always complete a FAFSA even if you know you won’t get any aid. Most schools won’t consider you for financial aid later if you didn’t submit a FAFSA in the beginning. Not at all sure why that would be, but have heard it from multiple reliable sources.

Some schools require the FAFSA in order to be considered for merit aid. Our school counselor said always, always fill it out.

People say this, I don’t think this is true, or at least, nobody has been able to name a specific school that requires it for merit. Didn’t fill it out and was offered lots of merit at many schools.

+1 For both kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is you should always complete a FAFSA even if you know you won’t get any aid. Most schools won’t consider you for financial aid later if you didn’t submit a FAFSA in the beginning. Not at all sure why that would be, but have heard it from multiple reliable sources.

Some schools require the FAFSA in order to be considered for merit aid. Our school counselor said always, always fill it out.

People say this, I don’t think this is true, or at least, nobody has been able to name a specific school that requires it for merit. Didn’t fill it out and was offered lots of merit at many schools.

2 seconds on google

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/which-schools-require-fafsa-merit-scholarships-scholarshipbasket-tpxrc

[Anonymous]

Ok, there are 6 schools and most give almost no merit. But good to know.

[Anonymous]

If you absolutely don’t need aid then it’s unnecessary.

If there’s a chance you may need aid, even a small amount, fill it out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is you should always complete a FAFSA even if you know you won’t get any aid. Most schools won’t consider you for financial aid later if you didn’t submit a FAFSA in the beginning. Not at all sure why that would be, but have heard it from multiple reliable sources.

Some schools require the FAFSA in order to be considered for merit aid. Our school counselor said always, always fill it out.

People say this, I don’t think this is true, or at least, nobody has been able to name a specific school that requires it for merit. Didn’t fill it out and was offered lots of merit at many schools.

2 seconds on google

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/which-schools-require-fafsa-merit-scholarships-scholarshipbasket-tpxrc

Did you actually read that link. LOL. An AI special.

[Anonymous]

Also, none of the schools listed in that link require the FAFSA.