2. Vocational Rehabilitation
3. Policy and Guidance
4. Need-Based and Merit-Based Scholarships

Need-Based and Merit-Based Scholarships

Reviewed: May 2023

Many financial aid offices will report both need-based and merit-based scholarships in the financial aid section of the training grant form.

A merit-based scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a student based on their achievements. The scholarship was earned based on the student own merit of academics (including grades and/or test scores), extracurricular activities, athletics, leadership in their community, etc. A need-based scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a student based on a student's financial need. The scholarship was not earned and are counted as comparable benefits.

It is important that you discuss with the student the type of scholarship they are receiving. DVR cannot require consumers to use merit-based scholarships, which are not comparable benefits, to pay for their education. Students are required to use need-based scholarships to pay for their education.

If a student provides documentation that they have received a merit-based scholarship, we should inform the student that DVR funding can be provided to offset the merit-based scholarship, if the student chooses. If the student chooses to take the offset, we must inform the student that it could cause an over award. Use the exception request process for Supervisor or Director review and approval of the offset funding. Communicate with the Financial Aid Office (FAO) via the Training Grant portal regarding any offset funding awarded, this can also help to prevent an over award.

DVR cannot require a student receiving Social Security benefits to fund services included in their Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). DVR can use comparable benefits to offset costs including need-based scholarships and grants identified by the financial aid office (FAO). DVR will not use funds identified as an Expected Family Contribution as a resource in calculating the DVR unmet need for these students.

If student is receiving veteran (VA) benefits that cover costs included in DVR cost of attendance, (Tuition and Fees, Books and Supplies, Transportation and Dependent Care Expenses), ask the student for documentation of their award and consult with local Supervisor or Director to determine how to proceed. The student should be encouraged to connect with resources for students who are veterans at their school and/or their local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) as a liaison to learn about their VA education benefits. Local CVSO contacts can be found at https://www.nacvso.org/directory/directory_5.aspx.

For CPA Grant information please refer to https://dwdworkweb/dvr/career-pathways-advancement/cpa-training-funds.htm (Internal, Staff Only)