Complete Financial Aid Overview

Grants and Merit Scholarships

Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. They are typically awarded based on financial need rather than academic achievement. The federal government, state governments, and colleges themselves offer grants, with the Pell Grant being the most well-known federal option for low-income students.

Merit scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded based on academic achievements, such as high grades or outstanding test scores. These can be awarded by the college, private organizations, or corporations.

Merit scholarships are often competitive and require the student to meet certain criteria, such as maintaining a specific GPA or participating in extracurricular activities throughout their time in college.

The FAFSA vs. The CSS Profile

The bulk of college financial aid money comes from the federal government and is distributed by colleges using information supplied by families on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Aiming to paint a fuller picture of a family's finances, the CSS Profile offers opportunities for families to describe any unique or extenuating circumstances affecting their ability to pay, such as the costs of caring for an elderly relative or sudden financial hardships.