Financial aid is a factor that is given great consideration when it comes to college. Most U.S. citizens rely on financial aid to help with college expenses. College is a very expensive aspect of education. And while getting a college degree will pay off in the end, most families can't afford to send their children to college. There are two types of financial aid that students may be eligible for: need-based and merit-based. However, it is known that most financial aid is need-based. Some merit-based scholarships are also awarded to need-based students. It is therefore understood that a poor student who qualifies with need-based status will receive more help from the federal government than a student who does not qualify with need-based status but is engaged and is in the top ten of his or her class. Federal student aid should not favor those it classifies as needy students over students who have demonstrated a rigorous and challenging academic lifestyle. Financial aid is calculated based on the cost of attending a school and estimated family contributions. If the Fa is esteemed...