As tuition fees reach an unprecedented level every year, the cost of college is becoming a challenge for an increasing number of families. In 2021, the average annual tuition and fees for a public college as an out-of-state student is USD$22,698, and that for a private college has reached USD$38,185, according to U.S. News data.

In attempt to relieve students’ financial constraints, many schools offer financial aid and scholarships, based on either need or merit. While need-based scholarships require an external application or request, merit-based scholarships are often part of the admissions process: a student will be automatically considered for merit scholarships just by virtue of application.

Private scholarships, granted by companies, service groups, foundations, organizations and individuals, are also available for financial support. Their criteria are often very narrow; international students without U.S. citizenship rarely qualify for scholarships based in the U.S. Most private scholarships that Taipei American School students could apply for may not be substantial in value, ranging from a few hundred dollars to, at most, a few thousand dollars. However, their cumulative sum may offer appreciable aid, by eliminating college expenses beyond tuition, such as books, or the amount of student loans you may have to borrow. 

Fastweb is a good resource to search for private scholarships by specific characteristics, according to your unique strengths and interests. It also has a database that helps you find schools within your budget range and articles that offer general financial aid advice.

The following are U.S. colleges that offer merit-based scholarships. You may want to consider them if financial aid is a strong consideration for your college selection. 

1. University of Alabama 
2. Arizona State University 
3. Auburn University 
4. University of California- Berkeley
5. University of Colorado at Boulder
6. Georgia Tech
7. University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
8. University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill
9. University of Virginia
10. College of William and Mary 
11. Boston College 
12. Boston University 
13. Brandeis College 
14. Carnegie Mellon University
15. Case Western Reserve University 
16. Duke University
17. Elon University
18. Georgetown University 
19. Lehigh University 
20. New York University 
21. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
22. Southern Methodist University 
23. University of Chicago
24. University of Miami
25. University of Rochester 
26. University of Southern California 
27. Tulane University
28. Vanderbilt University
29. Denison University
30. Kenyon College 
31. Macalester College
32. Grinnell College
33. Oberlin College