College Scholarships: How to Avoid the Gotcha's
As I’ve said to thousands of people in my audiences around the country at our No Debt No Sweat! Christian Money Management Seminars: Colleges are not the philanthropic institutions they appear to be. Now, don’t misunderstand, I am not opposed to colleges. I’ve been a college teacher. Today, I sit on boards at two universities.
But the truth is, universities are in a business. And that business is selling semester hours. And, frankly, they don’t care where the money comes from. It can come from Mom and Dan, the student, or from debt. But, the bottom line is: They need the dollars.
This is why colleges don’t make the rounds of American high schools each spring with free scholarship money for every potential student. In fact, someone has to pay. So, if you are a student (or the parent of a student) fortunate and strong willed enough to earn a scholarship, let me share a few thoughts on how to make the most of it.
1. Find out what it’s good for. Remember, a $2,000 scholarship may be worth more than a $5,000 scholarship—if the first is $2,000 per year and the latter is a onetime gift. Also important is to find out how many years a multi-year scholarship is going to be honored. These days, more and more students are taking five years (instead of the traditional four) to earn an undergraduate degree. Many schools are still awarding four year scholarship while fully aware that the student may be there for five years. Admittedly, I’m not the brightest light bulb on the marquee. But after three misfires, I finally figured this little game out. As the father of four kids, I checked with number four to be sure that her university’s scholarship offers would last five years assuming she did.
2. Most scholarships are contingent on meeting certain goals. For instance, academic scholarships usually require that the student maintain a certain GPA. It’s important to ask all the “what if” questions before accepting the scholarship. For instance, is there any grace? If the scholarship requires that the student maintain a 3.0 GPA—what if it falls to 2.8 one semester? Will the student be given a “grace semester” to regain the scholarship if she gets back up 3.0? And, what about during that “grace semester?” Will the scholarship be paid or suspended?
3. If you are blessed enough to receive a “full ride” scholarship that pays everything, the simple question to ask is, “Does it really pay everything?” What about room and board? What about books? NOTE: This is also the best time to negotiate. If the school really wants your young Einstein or Tiger Wood don’t be shy. Ask if they will include plane fare home a couple of times each year. And, how about a computer? Be imaginative.
4. Lastly, get it in writing. Again, I’m speaking as a father. Kids tend to get giddy when scholarships are put on the table. That’s to be expected—they’re still in their teens. You’re a grown up. Don’t drool. Ask the school to document everything they’ve promised in writing. Again, I speak as a father here. I still remember the disappointment I felt when a school I thought I could trust reneged on a scholarship they had promised our son—only after he had enrolled.
Originally published June 24, 2009.
