This depends on how a scholarship provider disburses the scholarship funds. Scholarship providers sometimes disburse funds directly to a student to cover education-related expenses and sometimes they send a scholarship check directly to your college/university.

Please carefully read the terms and conditions of a scholarship to see how a provider intends to disburse their funds.

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.