Merit Aid

Merit aid is one of the few bright spots on the financial aid front. More schools — such as Tulane, USC, Whitman and the University of Chicago — offer merit scholarships to lure strong students who may not be eligible for enough need-based aid to meet rising college costs. This recent New York Times article advises “put financials in the forefront and sprinkle schools that offer generous merit aid on your college wish list. Consider the schools that will want you. That’s how you will uncover the best deals.”