Types of Aid
Know what you’re being offered
A financial aid package can include grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans. Knowing what each part means can help you compare college offers more clearly — and understand what you’ll actually pay.
As you compare offers, ask:
- How much is gift aid that I won’t have to repay?
- What do I need to do to keep my aid?
- What happens if my family’s circumstances change?
- What will this package look like over four years?
What’s in a Skidmore financial aid package?
Not every dollar of financial aid works the same way. Here’s what you may see in a Skidmore package.
- Skidmore grants and scholarships: Money from Skidmore that you don’t repay.
- Federal and state grants: Gift aid you may qualify for based on federal or state eligibility.
- Student employment: An opportunity to earn money through an eligible student job.
- Student loans: Money you borrow and repay later, with interest.
Skidmore need-based grant aid
Skidmore grants are gift aid: money you don’t need to repay.
Your eligibility is based on your family’s demonstrated financial need, using information from the CSS Profile to understand your full financial circumstances. Income is only part of that picture.
Skidmore grant aid isn’t tied to GPA thresholds or continued competition. We meet 100% of demonstrated need for all four years, and your aid can be reevaluated if your family’s financial circumstances change.
Merit aid vs. need-based grant aid
A merit scholarship isn’t the same as what you’ll pay. When you compare college offers, look at the full four-year picture.
| Merit aid | Skidmore need-based grant aid |
|---|---|
| Often recognizes achievement, talent, or another qualification. | Based on your family’s financial circumstances. |
| May be offered for one year or renewed for multiple years. | Skidmore meets 100% of demonstrated need for all four years. |
| May be tied to GPA thresholds or other requirements. | Skidmore grant aid isn’t tied to GPA thresholds or continued competition. |
| Typically doesn’t adjust if your family’s finances change. | Can be reevaluated if your family’s circumstances change. |
| May stay fixed even as college costs rise. | Recalculated annually as costs and family circumstances change. |
Skidmore merit scholarships
Skidmore’s primary financial aid program is need-based, but we also offer two competitive merit scholarship programs recognizing exceptional achievement in music, science, and mathematics.
Each scholarship provides $20,000 per year for four years, for a total of $80,000, and does not need to be repaid.
The Filene Music Scholarship
Skidmore awards four to six Filene Music Scholarships each year.
- Award: $20,000 per year for four years
- How to apply: Apply to Skidmore and complete the Filene application by January 15.
Approximately 25 to 35 applicants are invited to perform in the Filene Music Competition.
Porter-Wachenheim Presidential Scholarship
Skidmore awards approximately 45 Porter/Wachenheim Presidential Scholarships each year to students with exceptional promise in science and mathematics.
- Award: $20,000 per year for four years
- How to apply: After you submit your application to Skidmore, log into your applicant portal and
look for the Porter-Wachenheim portfolio section. Upload a PDF document that lists
any extracurricular science and math activities you have been involved in (e.g., school
clubs, academic teams, tutoring, relevant volunteer work, shadowing/internship experiences,
independent studies, summer research programs, etc.) and any awards/honors you have
received (e.g., science fair competitions, science or math Olympiad medals, high testing,
etc.). This can include anything in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental
sciences, geosciences, health and human physiological sciences, mathematics and statistics,
neuroscience, physics, or psychology. Then, underneath the list, write a brief essay
discussing:
- your interests in science and/or mathematics,
- how the activities you list above have helped you grow as a scientist and/or mathematician, and
- how you hope to pursue your scholarly interests at Skidmore.
Questions about Porter/Wachenheim? Email Professor of Psychology Rebecca Johnson at rjohnso1@skidmore.edu.
Government grants
Government grants are another form of gift aid — and you don’t need to pay them back. These funds come from the U.S. Department of Education and the state of New York and are awarded based on financial need. Programs include Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), and New York State TAP (for New York residents).
- How to apply: Submit your FAFSA by the priority date and no later than 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester.
Student employment
A student job can help with personal expenses while giving you experience, connections, and another way to participate in the Skidmore community.
If you qualify for Federal Work-Study, student employment may be included in your financial aid package. Earnings are paid directly to you through Skidmore payroll rather than credited toward your tuition bill.
Students who do not qualify for Federal Work-Study can still apply for many on-campus jobs.
- How to apply: All enrolled students are eligible, contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Loans
Loans are money you or your family borrow and repay over time, generally with interest.
Loans may come from the federal government or private lenders and may be borrowed by the student or a parent. When comparing college offers, look closely at how much of each financial aid package is gift aid and how much you would need to repay.
Skidmore works to keep borrowing in perspective as part of the full four-year financial picture.
Loan information on Financial Aid website
Outside scholarships
Scholarships from foundations, community organizations, employers, religious organizations, and civic groups can help reduce your college costs.
These awards are separate from Skidmore, federal, and state aid. If you receive an outside scholarship, let the Financial Aid Office know so we can explain how it may affect your overall package.