The method of scholarship disbursement is completely up to the scholarship provider. If you win a scholarship, the scholarship provider typically reaches out to you to coordinate the terms and conditions of scholarship disbursement.

When funds are disbursed is also up the provider. They sometimes request additional follow up information to verify grades, enrollment, coursework, etc. before the scholarship award is disbursed. Providers will also confirm how the scholarship will be disbursed to you.

Typically, scholarship funds will be sent directly to your university (after you provide the proper financial aid office instructions and your student account/ID number) or sometimes funds are disbursed directly to you for use on education-related costs.

Sometimes, providers list how and when funds will be disbursed in the scholarship description.

If your financial aid offer wasn't enough to cover your bill, we recommend you submit an appeal. Learn more about financial aid appeals here.

If you'll need a student loan to cover the rest, begin by researching the lender that will give you the best rate. Most private lenders allow you to answer a few questions risk-free and then get your estimated interest rate. You’re under no obligation to actually get the loan. We recommend checking with Earnest first. Get your rate estimate from Earnest here.