How do Northwestern and Emory compare for merit scholarships?

Emory is far more likely than Northwestern to be a source of meaningful merit aid. Northwestern does not award general undergraduate merit scholarships; its institutional aid is primarily need-based.

For a student whose family qualifies for substantial need-based aid, Northwestern can still be financially strong. Its net price calculator and official aid offer matter much more than merit expectations.

Emory makes sense for applicants who have an unusually distinguished academic and extracurricular record and are willing to compete for a small pool of major merit awards. The Emory Scholars process is selective even among admitted students, and a high GPA or test score alone does not make an award likely. Scholars are typically chosen for sustained achievement, intellectual engagement, leadership, service, and the potential to contribute actively to the Emory community.

Compare the actual aid offers carefully: an Emory merit scholarship may remain valuable even if family income changes, while Northwestern’s need-based grant can be more closely tied to annual financial information.