Median increase for aid: 2.4%

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2005 | by Mary Beth Marklein

The median amount of financial aid given last year at 41 public flagship universities rose 2.4% from the previous year, a USA TODAY survey shows. But the percentage of students getting aid held steady for a third year.

The analysis of 67 schools includes 41 that reported financial aid data for three consecutive years, ending with 2004-05.

The survey asked for data on state, federal and institutional need- and merit-based scholarships and grants, but not loans, for first-year full-time students.

The percentage of students receiving some aid in 2004-05 ranged from 95.5% at the University of New Mexico to 20% at the University of Virginia. The median was 61.6%.

The average amount of aid awarded ranged from $10,498 at the University of Virginia to $2,347...