Institutional scholarships awarded for student achievements—GPA, rigor, test scores (if submitted), leadership, arts, athletics, or unique contributions—regardless of income.

Which factors beyond GPA/test affect merit?

Course rigor, rank, essays, recommendations, leadership/impact, portfolios or auditions, demonstrated interest, and program fit.

How Merit Aid Works: Why Some Students Get More Than Others

Q: How is merit aid different from need-based aid?

Need-based aid depends on family finances; merit aid depends on the student’s academic and extracurricular record.

Q: Why do some students get more merit than others?

Colleges use merit to meet institutional goals. Students who raise academic profile or fill program/talent needs often receive larger awards.

Q: What are merit grids or scholarship matrices?

College charts that map GPA/test bands to award amounts; higher bands typically yield larger scholarships.

Q: Is merit aid automatic or competitive?

Both exist. Automatic awards follow thresholds; competitive awards require separate materials or interviews and earlier deadlines.

Q: Why does the college list matter?

Some schools are more generous with merit. Targeting colleges where you are top quartile boosts the size and likelihood of awards.

Q: Are merit offers negotiable?

Sometimes. Timely, well-documented appeals with updated achievements or comparable offers may lead to adjustments.

Q: What renewal rules should we watch?

Minimum GPA, credit loads, major/progression, and residency requirements can affect future eligibility.

June 17, 2025

Jarad Stolz, CLTC, CRPC

How Merit Aid Really Works—And Why Some Students Get More Than Others

Many families believe that only need-based aid matters when it comes to college affordability. But merit aid—scholarships awarded based on academic or personal achievements—is often the single biggest source of free money for middle- and upper-income families.

At Diversified College Planning, we help families understand how merit aid works and how to position their student for the best possible outcome.

How Merit Aid Really Works—And Why Some Students Get More Than Others

Here’s how to compare colleges the right way:

Use Net Price, Not Sticker Price
The sticker price is rarely what families actually pay. Net price accounts for all aid received—grants, scholarships, and discounts. It’s the number that matters.
Understand Each School’s Aid Philosophy
Some colleges meet 100% of need-based aid, others don’t. Some are more generous with merit scholarships. Every school is different.
Look at Graduation Rates and Career Outcomes
A lower-cost college with high graduation and employment rates often delivers more value than a pricey school with weak outcomes.
Factor in Total Borrowing
Compare estimated loan amounts over four years. Two schools might seem close in cost—until you see one leaves students with double the debt.
Don’t Assume Private Means More Expensive
Many private colleges offer far more aid than public universities, especially for strong students or families who plan ahead.

When you compare colleges based on value and affordability, you’re no longer just picking a school—you’re making a strategic investment. And just like with any investment, the numbers should guide your decision.

📞 Let us help you compare the real cost of college—and make the right choice.
Website: https://diversifiedcollegeplanning.com/contact-us/
Phone: 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule with Jarad

FAQs: How Merit Aid Really Works—And Why Some Students Get More Than Others

What is merit aid?

Institutional scholarships awarded for a student’s achievements—GPA, course rigor, test scores (if submitted), leadership, arts, athletics, or unique contributions—regardless of family income.

How is merit aid different from need-based aid?

Need-based aid depends on your financial profile (FAFSA/CSS). Merit aid depends on the student’s academic and extracurricular record and is often available across a wide income range.

Why do some students get more merit than others?

Colleges use merit to shape their class. Students who help a school meet goals—higher academic profile, geographic or program balance, special talents—often receive larger awards.

What are “merit grids” or “scholarship matrices”?

Some colleges map GPA and (if used) test score bands to award amounts. Hitting a higher band can boost scholarships substantially.

Do test-optional policies change merit awards?

They can. Many colleges still use submitted scores to place students in higher merit tiers. If your scores strengthen your profile, submitting may increase awards.

Which application factors beyond GPA/test affect merit?

Course rigor, class rank, essays, recommendations, leadership and impact, portfolios/auditions, demonstrated interest, and fit with target programs.

Is merit aid automatic or competitive?

Both. Some scholarships are automatic at certain thresholds; others require separate applications, interviews, or earlier deadlines through honors or departmental programs.

Why does the college list matter so much?

Not all schools discount the same way. Targeting colleges known for generous merit (and where your profile is top quartile) increases the likelihood and size of awards.

Are merit offers negotiable?

Sometimes. With timely, well-documented requests—updated achievements or comparable offers—schools may reconsider awards before the deposit deadline.

What renewal rules should we watch?

Minimum GPA, credit loads, residency or major requirements. Falling below thresholds can reduce or cancel future terms of the scholarship.

How do outside scholarships interact with institutional merit?

Policies vary. Some colleges “stack” outside awards; others reduce institutional grants. Check each school’s coordination/stacking rules.

Do high-income families get merit aid?

Often yes. Because merit is about student achievement and institutional goals, many higher-income families receive substantial merit that lowers net price.

When should students position for maximum merit?

From 9th–11th grade: build sustainable rigor, strengthen GPA, plan testing, deepen impact/leadership, and track achievements to present a compelling profile.

How does Diversified College Planning help maximize merit?

We build a merit-aware list, target scholarship bands, align essays and activities to institutional goals, track priority deadlines, and support appeals to reduce your net price.

How Merit Aid Really Works—And Why Some Students Get More Than Others

FAQs: How Merit Aid Really Works—And Why Some Students Get More Than Others

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