How to Prioritize Merit Aid When Choosing a College List
Most families don’t realize this, but your college list is one of the most powerful tools you have to reduce out-of-pocket costs. That’s because some schools give significantly more merit aid than others—and at Diversified College Planning, we use proprietary software to identify exactly which ones.
Focus on Schools That Give Generously
Not all colleges are created equal when it comes to merit aid. Some allocate millions annually to attract strong students, while others reserve aid for financial need only. We help families build a list with data-backed insight into which colleges offer the most merit aid to students with your child’s academic profile.
Don’t Chase Name Brands—Chase Value
Many well-known schools offer little or no merit aid. That doesn’t mean your student has to compromise on quality—just that strategy matters. We help students find academically strong schools where they’re in the top 20% of applicants, which increases the chances of major merit awards.
Start Early, Stay Flexible
Building the right list is a process. We guide families from early exploration through final decisions, constantly evaluating which colleges offer the best return on investment for their unique goals.
Contact Us Today:
Want a smarter way to build a college list focused on aid and outcomes?
📞 Call us at 770-662-8510
📅 Schedule a free consultation: Book with Jarad
Or visit our Contact Page
