MA State Colleges Merit Aid

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For the Div. III state colleges, such as Framingham State, Fitchburg State, etc, do they give out any merit aid for student athletes? Since the tuition is so low, we wouldn't qualify for any need-based aid. But was curious about merit aid, if there is any given out to student athletes.

[Unregistered]

For the Div. III state colleges, such as Framingham State, Fitchburg State, etc, do they give out any merit aid for student athletes? Since the tuition is so low, we wouldn't qualify for any need-based aid. But was curious about merit aid, if there is any given out to student athletes.

Most school websites clearly outline merit scholarship offerings.

They don't differentiate between athletes and non athletes. The funds can be generous. Typically if you are looking at schools "under/below" your capabilities, you could probably get a lot more $$. I'd say that an "A" student with 1200 or better would get a ton of money from a Fitchburg state.

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^ yes and no. Most state schools in general don't give a lot of merit $. You have to be way above their norm to get much of anything at all. Then you have to question what you're trading off for academics just to get more $. PRivate schools tend to be much more generous with merit but that's so they can bring prices down closer to state school levels.

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^ yes and no. Most state schools in general don't give a lot of merit $. You have to be way above their norm to get much of anything at all. Then you have to question what you're trading off for academics just to get more $. PRivate schools tend to be much more generous with merit but that's so they can bring prices down closer to state school levels.

Some of the more desirable private schools actually grant very little merit aid. Instead, they focus on financial need. Seems a bit of an counter intuitive, but then again the entire prospect of college is likewise counter intuitive: The single biggest expense in your life where you will receive no tangible good in return.

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When $ are an issue apply to multiple schools (often times you can ge the application fee waived). You never know what they will offer up if your kid someone they want

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Some of the more desirable private schools actually grant very little merit aid. Instead, they focus on financial need. Seems a bit of an counter intuitive, but then again the entire prospect of college is likewise counter intuitive: The single biggest expense in your life where you will receive no tangible good in return.

Given the schools listed it doesn't sound like the "more desirable schools " are in the running. There are loads of smaller lesser known privates that can be surprising generous

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Given the schools listed it doesn't sound like the "more desirable schools " are in the running. There are loads of smaller lesser known privates that can be surprising generous

OP here. Back on topic. MA D3 state public schools only. Say a kid is a great student (4.0 GPA), good test scores (1350 SAT, 32 ACT), and projected back end starter (# 8-10) on state school team. Any merit aid for that? My assumption was state D3s don't offer much of any due to already low tuition. Any examples out there?

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OP your kid aiming way too low. They can do better academically than those schools and still not have too much in loans.

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OP your kid aiming way too low. They can do better academically than those schools and still not have too much in loans.

Better than 10-15k net?

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Better than 10-15k net?

Not clear why $10-15k net is your bottom line, but with the grades/scores/athletic skills you described, it’s worth it to at least apply to some D2 schools to see if you can get scholarship $. Apply to the other schools you mentioned too and compare the offers. Everyone’s situation is different so relying on other’s examples for college aid is pointless.

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Not clear why $10-15k net is your bottom line, but with the grades/scores/athletic skills you described, it’s worth it to at least apply to some D2 schools to see if you can get scholarship $. Apply to the other schools you mentioned too and compare the offers. Everyone’s situation is different so relying on other’s examples for college aid is pointless.

For D2, anyone get it down to below 20k net?

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Better than 10-15k net?

Yes, but as another said above each family's situation is different and sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to what one school gives vs another. You'll never know without applying. You can also use other school's offers as leverage against each other to get a few more $ come acceptance time. But I also question the quest to keep costs so low? While that is certainly admirable and totally understandable, taking on a little bit of debt for a markedly better education can pay off in the long run. If your student takes the federal loan max each year ($5.5, $6.5 and$7.5 last two years) it works out to about $275/month in loan payments, a manageable amount. Yes cost and debt is very important, but so is what you're getting for your $.

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OP your kid aiming way too low. They can do better academically than those schools and still not have too much in loans.

How do you know what kind of student OP has? Not every kid is a great student, and maybe they are targeting perfectly.

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OP here. Back on topic. MA D3 state public schools only. Say a kid is a great student (4.0 GPA), good test scores (1350 SAT, 32 ACT), and projected back end starter (# 8-10) on state school team. Any merit aid for that? My assumption was state D3s don't offer much of any due to already low tuition. Any examples out there?

Athletes are eligible for merit aid at D3 schools that award it, but the aid cannot be based on their athletic ability, So whether he's a "projected back end starter," or whether he plays soccer at all, has nothing to do with whether he would be eligible for merit aid.

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Yes, but as another said above each family's situation is different and sometimes there's no rhyme or reason to what one school gives vs another. You'll never know without applying. You can also use other school's offers as leverage against each other to get a few more $ come acceptance time. But I also question the quest to keep costs so low? While that is certainly admirable and totally understandable, taking on a little bit of debt for a markedly better education can pay off in the long run. If your student takes the federal loan max each year ($5.5, $6.5 and$7.5 last two years) it works out to about $275/month in loan payments, a manageable amount. Yes cost and debt is very important, but so is what you're getting for your $.

I have my kids at a Div 1 and Div 3 school. From what I have seen the education is pretty much the same. Smaller classes in Div 3 vs Div 1. You're assumption that more debt means better education is something I totally disagree with. It's not the college, it is what you make out of the college you attend.

If you are looking to keep tuition down, stay in-state. As a previous posters said the more options you look at the better. We have successfully pitted one college against another to lower tuition. Never hurts to ask. Best of luck!