<p>If you earn more scholarship money that you need as a freshman, will schools hold in your account for payment of future years? I'm assuming the scholarship money will be sent directly to the college, rather than to the individual. </p>
<p>Thanks for any info.</p>
<p>Maybe. If you are receiving need based financial aid, any outside scholarships will actually reduce your need…so you could get less aid. </p>
<p>If you actually have a surplus at the end of the term or year (school dependent on when this decision has to be made), the school will give you the choice of a refund OR some schools will allow you to have a surplus in your bursar’s account that could be used for subsequent terms of school.</p>
<p>It varies with the school and as thumper says, if you are receiving need based FA.</p>
<p>D1 had a merit scholarship from the school that covered tuition/fees/R&B, as well as outside scholarships, the school cut her a check at the end of the year for the surplus.</p>