Hello, I'm considering Macalester College as one of my top choice schools. Can anyone provide some insight into their financial aid and how generous they are with scholarships and grants? I want to make sure I can afford it before I get my hopes up. Thanks!
Macalester College is known for being relatively generous with financial aid. The college is committed to meeting 100% of accepted students' demonstrated need, which means they will build a financial aid package that covers the difference between the cost of attendance and your expected family contribution. Financial aid at Macalester comes in the form of need-based grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans.
Macalester also offers merit-based scholarships separate from need-based aid. Some notable scholarships include the DeWitt Wallace Distinguished Scholarship and the Catharine Lealtad Scholarship, among others. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, leadership, community engagement, and other factors. You don't typically need to submit a separate application for these scholarships as you'll be considered automatically when you apply for admission.
Additionally, Macalester is a QuestBridge partner, which means they participate in the QuestBridge National College Match program that provides low-income, high-achieving students with full four-year scholarships.
To get a more accurate estimate of your potential financial aid package at Macalester, you can use their Net Price Calculator, available on their website. This tool will consider your financial situation and give you an estimated award based on the information you provide.
Keep in mind that financial aid packages can vary greatly from student to student based on individual circumstances. It's important to get a sense of what financial aid might look like for you by using the available resources and reaching out to the financial aid office with any specific questions. Remember that you can also appeal your financial aid offer if you find the aid provided isn't sufficient. Good luck with your college application journey!
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