Yes, students can get scholarships while in college. Many programs provide funding to help cover tuition, books, or living expenses. Some scholarships renew each year if students keep strong grades or stay active in school activities.
Author: Daniel Godlin
Daniel Godlin
Daniel Godlin is the Founder & CEO of CollegeCommit, a boutique college admissions advisory serving high-achieving students worldwide. Over more than a decade, he has guided hundreds of students to Ivy League and top-tier universities, including Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Georgetown, and Yale. A psychology graduate of NYU with a focus on emotional intelligence, Daniel leads a selective team known for rigorous strategy and mentorship-driven, student-centered narrative development.
You cannot use student loans for anything you want. They are intended for expenses such as tuition, housing, books, and transportation, as listed in your school’s cost of attendance. Using them for vacations or shopping can violate loan terms and result in penalties.
Students can get grants for college by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meeting eligibility requirements set by federal, state, or institutional programs. These grants are funds that do not require repayment, making them one of the most effective ways to pay for college. At CollegeCommit, we guide families through each step – from preparing documents to understanding available options – so students can access funding with confidence. Key Takeaways What College Grants Are College grants are awards that do not require repayment. They differ from loans, which must be repaid with interest. Most come from…
There are no fixed FAFSA income limits. Any student can file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine how much a family can afford to pay. The SAI reviews income, assets, and family size. Colleges compare the SAI with the cost of attendance to decide how much aid a student may receive. How FAFSA Calculates the Student Aid Index (SAI) The SAI looks at parent income, student income, assets, and tax details. Parent income counts at different rates after protection allowances. Student income above a certain amount is weighted more heavily…
The answer depends on the level of education, FAFSA does not cover private elementary or high schools, but it can be used at approved private colleges and universities. Private K–12 students must rely on support from schools or state programs, while college students at accredited private colleges can receive federal aid. Knowing this difference helps families plan. You can also review how to get financial aid for college to learn more about how the process works. At CollegeCommit, we help families understand how FAFSA connects to the college process. FAFSA rules can feel confusing, but our goal is to make…
Most scholarships do not require repayment because they are a form of gift aid. Students can keep them if they stay enrolled and maintain grades. Repayment happens only if a student withdraws or loses eligibility. Understanding do you have to pay scholarships back helps families plan better and avoid unwanted financial surprises. Key Takeaways Most scholarships do not require repayment unless rules are broken. You may owe money only if you drop out or lose eligibility. Loans must be repaid with interest; scholarships and grants are gift aid. Some scholarships require that unused funds be returned. Quick Answer: Do Scholarships…
You should apply for financial aid before getting accepted to college. The FAFSA opens in the fall each year. Submitting early gives your family the best chance to receive federal, state, and school-based aid. Early action helps schools prepare accurate financial aid packages and gives students stronger financial options. At CollegeCommit, we help families take the right steps at the right time. With over 20+ years of combined experience, our advisors guide students through the financial aid process with precision. Knowing when and how to apply for aid helps your family plan and avoid missed deadlines. Key Takeaways When to…
FAFSA does not cover all tuition for most students. It determines eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work study programs that help offset the cost of attending college, but it rarely pays the full amount. The total aid received depends on financial need, school costs, and available funding at each institution. If you want to understand exactly how much FAFSA can cover based on your financial need and school type, visit our guide on how much FAFSA can cover for detailed breakdowns and examples. Key Takeaways At CollegeCommit, we help families understand the realities of paying for college. FAFSA opens…
FAFSA is not mandatory for all high school seniors, but some states now require it for graduation. Whether FAFSA is mandatory depends on your state. Texas, California, and Illinois require students to earn a diploma. Others only recommend it. Completing the FAFSA helps students access grants, scholarships, and federal student loans, making college more affordable and accessible to those who plan to attend. Key Takeaways At CollegeCommit, we help students and families plan college admissions with confidence. With over 20 years of combined experience, we’ve guided families through the FAFSA submission process and created smart college plans that support both…
A Federal Pell Grant is not the same as financial aid. The Pell Grant is one kind of federal financial aid that helps undergraduate students pay for college. Financial aid includes many programs – grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study. So, when someone asks if a Federal Pell Grant is the same as financial aid, the answer is no. The Pell Grant is only one part of the larger financial aid system. At CollegeCommit, we help families understand how financial aid works. Many ask if a Federal Pell Grant is the same as financial aid, or if a Pell Grant is…