Ivy League Scholarships

Hi everyone! So, does anyone know if the Ivy League schools offer scholarships? I've heard they give financial aid, but how about merit-based scholarships? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! Ivy League schools do indeed offer financial aid, but their approach to scholarships is distinct from other institutions. All eight Ivy League colleges—Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania—provide financial aid on a need-based model rather than offering merit-based scholarships.

This means that Ivy League schools determine financial aid awards based on the financial need of admitted students and their families instead of evaluating their academic or extracurricular achievements. Their goal is to make education accessible for all admitted students, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

For many students with demonstrated financial need, the aid packages offered at Ivy League schools can actually make attendance more affordable than attending other institutions with merit-based scholarships. The financial aid typically comes in the form of grants and scholarships, which do not have to be repaid, alongside work-study opportunities, but do not include loans in their financial aid packages.

To apply for financial aid at Ivy League schools, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. Make sure to submit all necessary documents and meet the deadlines for each school to ensure that your aid request is properly considered.

On the other hand, if you're looking for merit-based scholarships, you may want to expand your college search to include non-Ivy League institutions with strong academic reputations. Many of these schools offer generous merit scholarships to attract talented students. Good luck with your applications and scholarship search!