Scholarships for Twins, Triplets, and Multiple Births: Easing the Financial Burden of Higher Education

For many American families, the escalating cost of college presents a significant financial hurdle, especially when multiple children are pursuing higher education simultaneously. Parents of twins, triplets, or other multiples often face the daunting prospect of funding college for more than one child in the same academic year. Fortunately, a variety of unique scholarships cater specifically to this demographic, offering financial assistance to twins, triplets, and quadruplets. Many of these scholarships are offered by individual colleges, directly to students applying to their institutions.

Scholarships Specifically for Multiples

While scholarships exclusively for multiples may not be as widespread as general academic or merit-based awards, they offer a valuable avenue for financial aid due to the limited pool of eligible applicants. These scholarships can be broadly categorized into two types: general scholarships, which are not tied to a specific institution, and institutional scholarships, which are offered by individual colleges and universities for attendance at their respective schools.

General Scholarships for Multiples

Several organizations and events provide scholarships for twins and other multiples on a national or regional level. These scholarships often have specific eligibility requirements, such as membership in a multiples-related organization or attendance at a particular event.

Twins Days Scholarship: Celebrated annually at the Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, this scholarship recognizes and supports twins pursuing higher education. To qualify, applicants must have registered and attended at least three of the five previous Twins Days festivals and be registered for the current year's event. Additionally, applicants must submit a 300-word essay about the positive impact of Twins Days and provide two letters of recommendation.

Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs Scholarships: This organization awards scholarships to both parents of multiple-birth children and to the children of multiple births themselves who are residents of Illinois. Eligibility criteria include being the child of a member of Multiples of Illinois, completing coursework in the past year, and maintaining a minimum C average.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Multiples of Illinois Scholarship: This scholarship is for children who are multiples and are the child of a member of Multiples of Illinois.

It is also advisable to explore scholarship databases and search engines like GoingMerry, FastWeb, or Peterson’s to identify additional scholarships available at the national level. Furthermore, checking with "Mothers of Multiples" groups and family of multiples support groups can reveal locally or regionally sponsored scholarships.

Institutional Scholarships and Discounts

Many colleges and universities recognize the financial challenges faced by families with multiple children in college and offer specific scholarships or sibling discounts to alleviate the burden. These institutional awards often require that the multiples attend the same institution.

Lake Erie College (LEC): LEC offers a generous scholarship that pays an annual full-tuition, split between two students who attend the college together. Students must be enrolled full-time in their chosen undergraduate program, and the scholarship is awarded in place of any merit award. This essentially provides a "buy one, get one free" deal for tuition.

Wilson College: Wilson College in Pennsylvania offers a significant tuition discount for multiples enrolling together. Every year one set of twins and one set of triplets receives a scholarship. To qualify, all students must be enrolled full-time each semester at Wilson College. Recipients may continue benefiting from this award for a maximum of 4 years if they are enrolled in Wilson College full time, and they maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO A&M): Twins or triplets attending NEO A&M may be eligible for a waiver of room and board costs. The students must attend NEO together, but they do not have to room with one another. Eligibility requirements include attending the school together, maintaining a 2.0 minimum GPA, and having no disciplinary record. Only one application is needed per family.

Sterling College: Sterling College offers a tuition discount for twins or multiples attending their school.

Eastern Michigan University: Eastern Michigan University offers an endowed scholarship for twins pursuing education. Applicants must write a 1-2 page essay about what it means to be a twin or multiple and submit a resume highlighting academic history, employment experience, volunteer activities, and special recognition for exceptional accomplishments.

Kelley School of Business at Indiana University: This school has a scholarship that is very partial to twins pursuing accounting.

Sibling Discounts: Many colleges and universities offer sibling discounts, which reduce tuition when two or more siblings (whether twins or siblings of different ages) are enrolled at the same school simultaneously. The amount of this discount varies widely by school, and some do not offer one at all. Examples of colleges that support a sibling scholarship or grant are Gonzaga University (use a percentage discount system), Johnson & Wales University, Randolph-Macon College, Baldwin Wallace University, Quinnipiac University, St.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

Navigating Financial Aid for Multiples

In addition to scholarships specifically for multiples, families with twins or other multiples can also benefit from general financial aid programs and strategies.

The FAFSA and Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is crucial to report all dependent siblings attending college. The FAFSA application takes into account the added expenses of raising multiple children, which can increase the amount of need-based financial aid awarded.

It is important to note that a household’s expected family contribution (EFC) is divided among the total number of students attending college at once. For example, if an EFC for a single student would be $15,000, the EFC for triplets isn’t $45,000. Instead, the total for the household would stay closer to $15,000, or around $5,000 per triplet. Still, a household with multiple students attending college at the same time may qualify for more financial aid, all because the EFC is divided among several students. Usually, a student’s individually-assigned EFC is used as a basis for evaluating financial need.

The Student Aid Index (SAI)

As of the 2023-2024 academic year, the EFC has been replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI), a different calculation to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid.

Dispelling the "Twin Rule" Myth

It is important to dispel the common misconception known as the "twin rule," which suggests that twins applying to the same college can submit a single application and that if one twin is admitted, the other will automatically be accepted as well. This is a myth, and twins must apply to colleges individually, just as any other student would.

General Scholarship Strategies

While having twins, triplets, or quadruplets may qualify students for specific scholarships, it's essential to conduct a comprehensive scholarship search that includes a wide range of opportunities. Every student possesses unique skills, interests, experiences, or characteristics that can make them an attractive candidate for various scholarships.

Tips for Finding and Winning Scholarships

Start early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well in advance of college enrollment.
Utilize online resources: Explore scholarship databases, search engines, and college websites to identify potential opportunities.
Tailor applications: Carefully review the eligibility requirements and essay prompts for each scholarship and craft personalized applications that highlight your strengths and experiences.
Seek guidance: Consult with high school counselors, college financial aid officers, and scholarship advisors for assistance with the application process.
Proofread carefully: Ensure that all applications are free of errors in grammar and spelling.

The Evolving Landscape of Financial Aid

Families with multiple children enrolled in college simultaneously face unique financial challenges. Recent changes in legislation and the formula used to calculate financial need have added even more stress. The new calculation does not provide for a division or break in the family's estimated contribution toward college when having multiple students in college at the same time. Previously, a family’s estimated family contribution (EFC, now called the SAI), would be divided by the number of students in college. Now that figure is actually multiplied by the number of college students in your household.

It is hoped that legislation will change to help assist families that are working hard to put multiple siblings (whether in the same grade, or in different grades) through college.

Communicating with Colleges

Never hesitate to communicate with admissions and financial aid offices if you have major concerns or barriers to being able to afford college for your students.

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