Merit-Based Aid
Financial assistance awarded based on academic achievement, test scores, or special talents, regardless of the student's financial need.
Merit-based aid is awarded to students based on academic excellence, standardized test scores, artistic talent, athletic ability, or other demonstrated achievements, regardless of financial circumstances. Many universities use merit scholarships strategically to attract high-achieving students who would otherwise attend peer or higher-ranked institutions. Merit aid amounts range from token awards ($1,000-$5,000) to full-tuition scholarships. Notably, many top-ranked US universities (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT) do not offer merit-based aid, relying exclusively on need-based financial aid instead.
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