Should students consider factors besides merit aid when choosing a college?
Absolutely. Merit aid is just one piece of the college financing puzzle. Knowing the available merit aid opportunities from a college before you apply will give you a better idea of the true costs of attending college. There are some colleges that may be more affordable than you think. But merit scholarships don’t guarantee a college is a good fit for a student. Available academic programs, social culture, size and location will go a long way in determining if a potential college is really home. Examine all these aspects of a college before deciding if it offers everything you need for a successful college experience.