What exactly is merit aid? Unlike need-based aid, merit scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic achievements—usually GPA and test scores, if submitted.

For many families, these awards are the key to college affordability, as they provide a predictable, multi-year financial foundation that brings the actual cost of college way down from the published price.

At ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, merit aid plays a significant role in financial aid packages, as 99% of applicants qualify for one of its merit scholarships. Students may also combine these awards with other sources of financial aid, including grants and—for eligible Georgia residents—state-supported programs such as the Georgia HOPE Scholarship.

This layered approach helps families move beyond sticker price and toward a more realistic understanding of cost.

How Are Merit Scholarships Awarded at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø?

We believe the path to funding should be as straightforward as possible. That’s why we’ve built our merit scholarship process directly into the admissions cycle.

There’s no extra paperwork or separate application to worry about—when a student applies for admission, they are automatically considered for merit aid.

What does the admissions committee look for?

We don’t believe a student’s potential can be reduced to a single test score or a single grade. Instead, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø uses a holistic application review to determine admission. We look at the “big picture,” including:

• Academic Growth: How a student has performed and improved over their high school career.
• Course Rigor: How they’ve challenged themselves with the classes available to them.
• Overall Application Strength: The unique perspective, extracurriculars and character they bring to our community.

This “broad assessment” ensures that we are rewarding a student’s true preparation and potential, rather than just a single metric.

Are there exceptions?

While most aid is automatic, some of our most prestigious awards—like our highly competitive full-tuition awards in Business, Theatre, Leadership and overall Academic Achievement —require participation at our Scholarship Weekend.

The power of the Priority Deadline

If there is one piece of advice we give every applicant and counselor, it’s this: timing matters. Because merit aid is tied directly to the admissions decision, applying within our priority timelines is the best way for families to get early clarity on their financial aid offers. The sooner a student applies, the sooner ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø can award a merit scholarship and families can begin planning for the future.

What’s Inside an ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Financial Aid Package?

Think of a financial aid package as a custom-built toolkit. It’s rarely just one thing; instead, it’s a combination of different types of support that work together to make an ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø education affordable.

When a student receives their offer, it will likely include a mix of these four elements:

1. The “Gift Aid” (Grants & Scholarships)

This is the best kind of aid because it doesn’t have to be repaid.

• Merit Scholarships: Awarded by ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø based on your student’s hard-earned academic achievements.
• Grants: These can come from the federal government, the state, or ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø itself. They are essentially “gifts” that lower the cost of tuition. These might include the Pell Grant or other need-based aid.

2. Loans (federal or private)

While grants are gifts, loans are funds that must be repaid over time. We include these to help families bridge any remaining gaps and invest in the student’s future.

3. Campus Employment

Many of our students choose to work right here on campus. It’s a great way to earn a steady income while enrolled, gain professional experience and stay connected to the campus community. If students qualify for the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, it will be included on their financial aid award letter.

The FAFSA: The key to unlocking more aid

If there is one “pro-tip” we share with every family, it’s this: file the FAFSA. Even if a student receives a generous merit scholarship, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is what triggers a review for additional need-based grants and federal work-study. It is the single most important step in ensuring a student is considered for every possible dollar of aid, which can significantly reduce the overall cost.

Ready to see how the math works for you? Exploring the different types of financial aid at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is the best way to understand how these pieces fit together to create an affordable path forward.

How Should Families Compare Financial Aid Offers?

Getting that first financial aid award letter is exciting, but the excitement can quickly turn to confusion when the second and third letters arrive. Every school formats their offers differently, which can feel like comparing apples to oranges.

To find the true “fit,” we encourage families to look past the biggest numbers and focus on the sustainable value.

The “net cost” strategy

Instead of asking, “Which school gave me the biggest scholarship?” the more helpful question is: “What is the net cost after all scholarships and grants are applied?” A $30,000 scholarship is great, but its value depends entirely on the starting tuition price. We recommend that families use a simple four-point checklist when comparing ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø to other institutions:

• The Gift Aid Gap: How much of the package is “gift aid” (scholarships and grants) versus loans that must be repaid?
• Renewal Conditions: What GPA does the student need to maintain to keep their merit scholarship for all four years?
• The Four-Year Outlook: Is this a one-time “signing bonus,” or is the funding predictable for the entire degree?
• Out-of-Pocket Reality: After all aid is applied, what is the actual bottom-line number the family will be responsible for?

Timing your decision

Because merit scholarships at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø are tied directly to the admissions process, the best way to get a head start on this comparison is to apply within our priority timelines.

Receiving an early award letter doesn’t just provide “clarity”—it provides breathing room. It gives families the time they need to ask questions, compare “net costs” and make a decision based on long-term value rather than last-minute stress.

What Affects Scholarship Eligibility?

Families often ask what GPA qualifies for merit scholarships. While GPA is important, it is not the only factor.

Scholarship eligibility typically reflects:

• Academic consistency over time
• Strength of coursework
• Overall application profile

At ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, merit scholarships are awarded across a range of academic profiles rather than tied to a single cutoff. This allows for a more nuanced approach to evaluating student achievement.

Students are encouraged to present their strongest possible application and apply early to ensure full consideration.

When Should Families Apply for Merit Scholarships?

Because merit scholarships are tied to the admissions process, timing matters.
Students should aim to:

• Apply within priority admission deadlines
• Complete the FAFSA as early as possible
• Monitor communication regarding financial aid award letters

Early action can provide families with more time to review offers, ask questions and make informed decisions.

Supporting Clear, Responsible Financial Aid Conversations

Merit scholarships are often one of the first financial aid elements families encounter, but they are only part of the full picture.

Clear communication around timelines, award structures and long-term costs helps families avoid confusion. When financial aid is presented transparently, families are better equipped to evaluate affordability and make responsible decisions about student debt.

At ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, financial aid is structured to provide clarity and predictability, helping students and families understand both immediate costs and long-term value.

Would you like to explore academic opportunities at our private university in Atlanta?

Contact ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø for more information.