Full need schools - how do they work?

Hey everyone, I've heard about full need schools and how they're supposed to be helpful in terms of financial aid. Can someone explain how these schools work and which colleges are considered full need schools?

Full need schools are colleges and universities that commit to meeting 100% of a student's demonstrated financial need. This means that they will provide enough financial aid (through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans) to cover the gap between a family’s expected financial contribution and the total cost of attendance. The total cost of attendance typically includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other miscellaneous living expenses.

To be eligible for financial aid from full need schools, students typically need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and, in some cases, the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Colleges use this information to determine each family's expected financial contribution and calculate the financial aid package.

It's important to note that financial aid packages can vary greatly from one full need school to another. Some colleges have generous no-loan policies, meaning they provide enough grants and scholarships to cover the demonstrated need, and students don't need to take out loans. In contrast, other full need schools might include loans as part of their aid package to cover the remaining cost.

Many Ivy League schools and other prestigious institutions are considered full need schools. Some examples include:

- Harvard University

- Yale University

- Princeton University

- Stanford University

- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

- Dartmouth College

- University of Pennsylvania

- Northwestern University

- Vanderbilt University

Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and many other colleges and universities meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for their students. To find out if a particular school is a full need school, visit their financial aid website or contact their financial aid office for more information. It's also a good idea to use each school's net price calculator to get an estimate of the financial aid package you might receive based on your family's financial situation before applying.