Can private sources of aid affect state and federal scholarships and grants?
It is possible that private sources of aid could make a difference. For example, in many states, the colleges will inform state grant programs of your private scholarships. This information could then affect any state grant awards that you might receive. Should I ask my target colleges how outside financial aid might affect my other sources of aid? Yes. Contact the colleges in which you are interested to find out what approach they take when adding in private grants or scholarships. As you receive these scholarships and let the colleges know about them, discuss your preferences about how these outside sources of aid MIGHT be used in your financial aid package. Each college makes the final decision on the structure of its package, although your input is considered within the policies it must follow.
