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Just found out I received a full-tuition merit scholarship from UCLA. I am wondering how this might affect need-based grants for housing/living expenses? Do need-based grant awards usually come out separately (like in March, when the financial aid typically comes out), or would this mean I am ineligible for further support from the school?

I'm not going to say this as eloquently or thoroughly as others could, but there's not really a situation where you need that much aid. Like, its a professional school, you don't need to go to law school, average law school debt is 6-figures. You can reasonably be asked to take out loans to cover your living expenses. There isn't really a situation where you require SO much aid you can't even pay for your own food. Does that make sense? Again, I'm sure someone else can explain it better, but, basically, I don't think you're getting additional need-based aid, I do not believe you need it.

guybourdin wrote:I'm not going to say this as eloquently or thoroughly as others could, but there's not really a situation where you need that much aid. Like, its a professional school, you don't need to go to law school, average law school debt is 6-figures. You can reasonably be asked to take out loans to cover your living expenses. There isn't really a situation where you require SO much aid you can't even pay for your own food. Does that make sense? Again, I'm sure someone else can explain it better, but, basically, I don't think you're getting additional need-based aid, I do not believe you need it.

Totally! I wasn't sure what the $ amount threshold for need-based grants might be. Thanks for your help!

lazarzhr wrote:Just found out I received a full-tuition merit scholarship from UCLA. I am wondering how this might affect need-based grants for housing/living expenses? Do need-based grant awards usually come out separately (like in March, when the financial aid typically comes out), or would this mean I am ineligible for further support from the school?

I'm not going to be helpful in terms of answering your question, but was this a dean's merit scholarship or one of the two full-tuition scholarship programs that need a separate application filled out? Either way, congrats!

Dreadhead168 wrote:

lazarzhr wrote:Just found out I received a full-tuition merit scholarship from UCLA. I am wondering how this might affect need-based grants for housing/living expenses? Do need-based grant awards usually come out separately (like in March, when the financial aid typically comes out), or would this mean I am ineligible for further support from the school?

I'm not going to be helpful in terms of answering your question, but was this a dean's merit scholarship or one of the two full-tuition scholarship programs that need a separate application filled out? Either way, congrats!

This was the "Distinguished Scholars" full-tuition scholarship (the early decision one). Thanks!

UCLA, unlike some other schools, determines and doles out their need-based aid independently of whatever merit aid you get. If you qualify for need-based aid, you'll get that on top of your merit scholarship. Whether you qualify will depends solely on your income (and, if you're under a certain age, I forget how old, the income of your parents). At least, this is how they operated a couple of years ago.

Hand wrote:UCLA, unlike some other schools, determines and doles out their need-based aid independently of whatever merit aid you get. If you qualify for need-based aid, you'll get that on top of your merit scholarship. Whether you qualify will depends solely on your income (and, if you're under a certain age, I forget how old, the income of your parents). At least, this is how they operated a couple of years ago.

Wow! This is very useful info. I think I may call over to the financial aid office tomorrow then and see what info they may be able to provide. Thanks!!!