How to Spot Merit Aid Traps That Look Better Than They Are
Families get excited when a college sends a scholarship offer, but not all merit aid is created equal. Some awards look great on paper but come with conditions that make them hard to keep—or leave families stuck with higher costs later.
At Diversified College Planning, we help families understand the fine print behind merit aid offers so they don’t fall for aid traps that look good today but backfire tomorrow.
Common Merit Aid Traps Include:
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Non-renewable awards that disappear after the first year
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Scholarships tied to strict GPA requirements that are hard to meet once college begins
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Aid that is front-loaded to entice enrollment but drops off later
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Schools that give aid—but start with higher sticker prices to begin with
What to Look For Instead
We help families evaluate:
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Which scholarships are guaranteed for four years
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Renewal terms and required credit/GPA standards
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Whether total cost (not just aid amount) makes sense
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Other options with better long-term savings—even if the award looks smaller
Understanding the true value of an offer can save you thousands—and help you avoid unexpected debt down the road.
Contact Us Today:
Got merit aid offers? Let’s make sure they’re as good as they sound.
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Mike
Or visit our Contact Page: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
