What is merit-based aid vs. need-based aid?
Merit-based aid is awarded based on the student’s “merit.” Merit can be defined by academic strength, athletic ability, artistic talent, or any other quality or affiliation which a college chooses to reward with a scholarship. Colleges and organizations are free to create their own types of scholarships with their own set of eligibility criteria. To find out information about University of Evansville Scholarships and outside scholarship resources check out the following links: Scholarships for First-Time Students, Scholarships for Transfer Students, and Outside Scholarship Sources. Need-based aid is not determined by the student’s merit. It is awarded based on the family’s ability to contribute for college, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The University of Evansville offers both merit and need-based financial aid. A student may ultimately receive a financial aid package which consists of both merit and need-based aid, in the form of scholarships a
