Save up to $25,000 a year on college with Merit Aid.

Learn how from New York Times money columnist Ron Lieber.

And you don’t need to qualify for need-based financial aid.

Ron Lieber’s ‘Understanding Merit Aid’ college admission prep checklist for seniors – guide to maximizing scholarships and financial aid.

Download Ron’s FREE Merit Aid College Checklist for high school seniors here!

Save time, reduce stress, and maximize your family’s financial returns.

Real Results: Merit Aid Course Success Stories

Success story of a California family (class of 2029) at Brandeis University: offered 4 years costing $220,000. Initially awarded $10,000 per year in merit aid, highlighting college financial aid challenges and merit scholarship negotiation.
College financial aid appeal story: first appeal for additional merit aid resulted in $0, no extra scholarship money awarded.
California family improves financial aid strategy by taking Ron Lieber’s course ‘Understanding Merit Aid’ to secure better college scholarships.
College financial aid success: after completing Ron Lieber’s course, a California family’s second appeal secured $60,000 in merit aid, achieving over 30,000% ROI.

“Thank you! The most useful and practical advice we received as part of the college application process. I learned the ins and outs of the whole Merit Aid system (including how the schools use big data and the fact you need to work schools off one another). We wound up saving over $20k per year after taking the course.”

Karen W., Connecticut parent, Class of 2028

“Fabulous course! Saved us lots of $ and gave us clarity. Very helpful!”

— Ina R., Parent, Class of 2028

“I thought colleges had all the power in the application process. Your insights helped me increase the Merit Aid for my son by $20,000 over four years, in just a ten-minute phone call with the school. Pretty good return on investment!!”

Public high school parent, Drexel University, Class of 2028

Here’s what you’ll get in the video course

Insider access from the expert

New York Times money columnist Ron Lieber shares proven strategies to cut tuition costs with merit scholarships—distilled from his years of research, reporting, and direct conversations with admissions leaders.

Know before you apply

Learn how to project likely Merit Aid offers from your target schools, so you know what to expect. Decode award letters when they arrive, and successfully ask for more Merit Aid.

Everything you need

Updated for 2025, Ron’s course includes 2+ hours of searchable video lessons in bite-size segments, so it’s easy to come back and find what you need any time during the application and decision process. Plus, you’ll get additional critical time and money-saving insider links and resources.

Open to all students

Merit scholarships aren’t just for perfect GPAs or star athletes. They’re for everyone.

30-day money-back guarantee

Try the course for 30 days. If it doesn’t deliver, you get a full refund, no questions asked.

Get the best offer

Understanding Merit Aid is not about getting the first offer. It is about getting the best offer!

Plus bonus materials

8 links

to useful, time and money-saving resources

1 Quiz

to hone your merit aid detection skills

A PDF guide to the most important questions about saving on college.

A PDF guide to the most important questions about saving on college.

Head shot of Ron Lieber

About Ron

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