argument on if college financial aid should or should not be based solely on merit?

Question

what are some good points on each side of the argument

Answer 1

I think some should be based on merit and some should be based on need.
Theres an overwhelming number based on need.
I had great grades, but the whole "financial need" got me everytime.
It isn't fair to be penalized because your parents make a certain amount of money. Just because they do, doesn't mean they are willing to pay the full amount of your tuition.
Fafsa offers grants based on financial need. The majority of scholarships shouldn't do the same in my opinion.

Answer 2

I prefer debates to "arguments," but I would have to say that financial aid should not be based on grades alone. First, let me specify I am speaking of generic financial aid for basic costs of attending college/university. It is well documented that for a multitude of reasons, those who live in affluent homes (i.e., those that are less likely to -need- more money) are the ones who tend to get the better grades. Using grades alone would mostly subsidize the rich. I think academic merit should be the second-most important factor-- striking a balance between the most financial need and the most promise (especially talent which could be wasted on McJobs if it wasn't for a lack of funds) is the most important thing. Once again, if it's a matter of winning grants like funding for research, large-scale art projects or anything other than covering basic post-secondary education costs, I feel that's a whole different area than "Financial Aid." Those are areas in which I personally feel it's fair to go by potential and excellence in achievements, alone.

Answer 3

merit
"the quality of being particularly good or worthy, esp. so as to deserve praise or reward"
… this is subjective, and therefore open to debate (and corruption)

I think it should be based on BOTH need and academic merit.

My grades in High School (and early college) were not so great but my SATs were pretty good, so I did get financial aid. I even dropped-out of college for a while; but I did go back and earned my Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's.

Therefore, I feel that you can not judge a person by what's on the transcript, some of us have hard lives and need a little more time. I am grateful to those that helped me achieve what I otherwise would not have been able to afford.

Answer 4

I'm 44 and in my final semester towards my Bachelor's degree. My family is low income (our EFC was 0), but because I graduated high school when Ronald Reagan was President, I don't qualify for merit based scholarships. For that reason, I'm glad that they offered me financial assistance based on need. Getting this degree has allowed me to get into a better paying job to make a better life for not only myself, but my family as well.