Expert Perspective
Lynell Engelmyer | College admissions and financial aid advisor, Alexander Hamilton Scholars
What does it mean to meet full need?
If you are accepted to a college that meets full need, they will take a look at your financial information using the FAFSA and/or CSS Profile, and then they will offer you a financial package that fills the gap between the cost of attendance and your ability to pay. This package may include scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and more. This means that any student who is accepted should be able to afford the school without taking out private loans.
Expert Perspective
Sara Petty | Director of Pre-College Success at TeenSHARP, Independent College Counselor
Other college lists to explore
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my financial aid award isn't enough at a 100% need school?
If your financial aid award isn’t enough, it can never hurt to reach out to the school’s financial aid office. You can try writing a financial aid appeal letter, which should be especially effective at a 100% need school. Since they try to package every accepted student with a feasible financial aid package, it could be that they got your information wrong, or you have extenuating circumstances not captured by the CSS Profile or FAFSA.
Is 100% need the same as need blind?
Meeting 100% of demonstrated need is not the same as being need-blind. Schools that meet 100% of demonstrated need will offer every accepted student a financial aid package that bridges the gap between the student’s ability to pay and the cost of attendance at the school. This addresses the financial aid aspect of an application.
On the other hand, being need-blind has an impact on who a college or university admits in the first place. Schools that are need-aware will prioritize applicants who are able to pay full tuition, or close to it. Need-blind schools, on the other hand, do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. So, rather than affecting how much they offer students, need-blind admissions affects who they let in in the first place.
On the other hand, being need-blind has an impact on who a college or university admits in the first place. Schools that are need-aware will prioritize applicants who are able to pay full tuition, or close to it. Need-blind schools, on the other hand, do not take financial need into account when they decide who to accept. So, rather than affecting how much they offer students, need-blind admissions affects who they let in in the first place.
What's the most competitive school that meets 100% need?
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