Scholarships can often be a deciding factor in a college search.

Ashland University offers three types of scholarships to incoming students.

Merit scholarships are based on high school GPA, ACT score, and academic standing when applying for Ashland.

Athletic scholarships are based on the student’s athletic ability.

Need-based scholarships are based on FASFA eligibility. These need-based scholarships fit into three categories: federal, state and institution scholarships.

Federal scholarships include Pell grants, while state scholarships include the Ohio College Opportunity grant.

Ashland evaluates the process every year by looking at their top ten competitors, including Kent State, Capital, Baldwin-Wallace, Findlay, Mount Union and Bowling Green.

“Most of our competitors do exactly what we do,” Shinaberry said. “Nine times out of ten, we’re right on track.”

AU generated $127.2 million in revenue in 2009 while spending $28.1 million on student awards through grants, scholarships or other assistance.

This placed AU in the middle of the road as compared to its competitors in the total amounts of student awards.

“It’s hard to be competitive at times because of budgeting,” Shinaberry said. “But we have stayed competitive.”

Shinaberry understands that the financial aid process is complicated and frustrating at times, but she recommends researching outside scholarships as well.

“Yes, they take a lot of work on the student’s end but it lessons family contribution,” she said.

The financial aid counselors do not want students to feel threatened or overwhelmed by the complicated process, and are prepared to offer alternatives to students if needed.

Shinaberry promises to open her door to any student in need of assistance.

“Please don’t be afraid of us,” Shinaberry said. “We don’t always give the answer students and parents want, but we will give them the honest, truthful answer.”