BigSmithster

Financing your MSW is a popular subject here, so hoping to crowdsource thoughts: What are the programs that offer the most merit aid that is not tied to need? FAFSA has determined that I do not qualify for any grant based need/scholarships, and while I was admitted to Smith, their merit aid is tied to need. I believe I have a strong professional and academic background to get merit-based scholarships. I am not in the hole financially, thank goodness, but I only make 55k/year and have little savings. Taking out loans upwards of 100k+ for an MSW is terrifying. State schools for in-state tuition aren't a great option as I live in DC and we don't have a public MSW program/there is no tuition reciprocity for other programs in nearby states. Other advice? Thanks in advance!