- You cannot apply to too many scholarships for college.
- While it is possible to win too many college scholarships, this issue is extremely rare.
- If you receive too many financial awards designed for tuition, students should reach out to their financial aid department and the scholarship provider regarding the next steps.
Can You Apply to Too Many Scholarships?
The short answer is, no, you cannot apply for too many scholarships! In fact, to improve your chances of winning the most awards possible, you should be applying to as many scholarships as you can and are eligible for. It is possible that you could end up with too many winnings but in some cases. However, that can be a very good thing. We break down what you can expect below.
What if You Win Too Many Scholarships?
Now, while you can’t apply to too many scholarships, it is possible to win too many awards. However, this “problem” is extremely rare. There are so many students applying for these awards and the chances you win “too many” is not likely, but it does happen occasionally. In the event of this, students have to look at the structure of the award.
First, find out how the scholarship is designed to be spent. If the award is for tuition only, that scholarship can only be used for tuition. But, if the award is for “college-related expenses,” the money could be theoretically used for things like books, computers, and even food!
Who Should You Contact About Excess Scholarship Funds?
Your next steps at this stage depend on who the scholarship was handed to: your college or you.
If the awards were handed to your college and can be used for more than your tuition and fees, your school may be able to return the extra money to you. You will have to contact your financial aid office and the scholarship provider to see how this will be handled.
If the scholarship money was given directly to you, all you need to do is check the fine print and double-check with the provider. Excess funds may be allowed to be put towards other expenses, even if it was originally meant to be used towards your tuition. Some will require you to return the money though.
Don’t Try to Hide Excess Scholarship Funds
In the event the scholarship provider would want the money back, do not try to hide it. If it is determined the money was spent incorrectly in the future, you could be on the hook for paying that award back.
However, any money that is returned to you in the form of cash may have to be reported on your taxes as income. You will want to check with your tax preparer to determine how the money should be handled. Too many scholarships could also reduce your eligibility for financial aid, such as last dollar grants. But since you’re winning so many awards, you might not need this financial assistance in the end.
The bottom line: work with your financial aid office for any questions and to make sure you have a clear view of how scholarships and other aid are being applied.
So “How Many Scholarships Should I Apply For?”
You should be applying for as many scholarships as you can. The more you apply for, the better your chances of winning the awards. And of course, scholarship money used for college expenses doesn’t have to be paid back. It’s FREE money.
Applying does take time. You don’t want to apply to so many that you are burnt out or don’t have enough time to complete your homework or other responsibilities such as college applications. So, quick tips:
- Use planners and scheduling tools to determine how much time a week you can devote to researching scholarships and applying.
- Put time aside for completing applications, and writing essays.
- Use a scholarship database. Using tools like College Raptor’s Scholarship Search Tool can help you cut down on the time it takes to research scholarships, too!
- Remember, smaller dollar scholarship awards tend to be easier to win.
- Download this scholarship checklist to keep you on track.
While you can’t apply to too many scholarships, it is possible that you could win too many if they’re all designed to be put towards your tuition. But don’t let this knowledge hold you back from applying to as many awards as you can. Winning too many is extremely rare and not likely to happen. And in the event it does happen, you could have options that net you free money.
Before you can win too many scholarships, however, you need to get to applying for them. Our Scholarship Search Tool allows you to uncover awards you may have never heard of and increase your chances of winning free money!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
