Consultant: Merit Scholarships Cut College Costs
An education consultant advises students to target colleges where they are in the top academic quarter to secure merit-based scholarships, which she calls
Students looking to reduce college expenses should focus on merit scholarships, according to education consultant Caroline Shircliff. In a report by WABC's Eyewitness News, Shircliff described these awards as "free money" that does not require repayment.
Shircliff, of Shircliff Educational Consulting, advises families to research schools strategically to find institutions that reward strong academic records. She suggests using net price calculators and searching for scholarship information online. A key strategy is applying to colleges where a student's academic profile places them within the top quarter of applicants.
The Strategy for Merit Aid
"That's the sweet spot for receiving merit aid," Shircliff said. "Students that are in that academic profile, schools want you. And that's when you'll see the most merit aid." She contrasts this with highly selective universities, which typically offer little to no merit-based funding. Instead, elite institutions like many in the Ivy League focus primarily on need-based financial aid.
Shircliff is blunt about costs. "I tell families, 'You should never pay sticker price,'" she said. She notes that financial concerns are common, stating money is an issue "nine out of 10 times."
Student Experiences with Savings
The news report highlighted several students who have benefited from merit awards. A student named Ava receives a significant scholarship from Pace University. "Pace gives me like $12,000 per semester to come," Ava said, expressing excitement about the award. Over a standard four-year undergraduate program, this amounts to nearly $100,000 in total savings.
Another Pace student, Kayna Wilson, advised applicants to broaden their horizons. "Aim a little down," Wilson recommended, suggesting students consider schools beyond their dream institutions. Ava echoed a similar sentiment, advising applicants to apply to safety schools and remember that "your college does not define you."
For some, the savings extend beyond undergraduate studies. Merit scholarship recipient Shivani Gosine reported using the money she saved as an undergraduate to help pay for graduate school.
Understanding the Funding
Shircliff emphasized the fundamental difference between scholarships and loans. "Call it a tuition discount if you like. It is not a loan. It is free money, and we love free money," she said. She argues that students should not assume taking on debt is inevitable for a college education.
"Listen, nobody should have to go to school and have debt. There is no reason for it," Shircliff stated. The consultant's bottom-line advice is for students with strong grades and test scores to thoroughly explore scholarship opportunities to avoid leaving potential funding unclaimed. The report did not specify application deadlines for any particular merit scholarship programs.
