Can you receive scholarship contest money even if you don't fill out the FAFSA?

Paying for College
1

I am trying to find a clear answer about whether money from non-government scholarships can still be received towards your college even if you do not qualify for federal financial aid due to not meeting SAP, or even if you do not complete the FAFSA? Are all scholarships linked to FAFSA? Thank you.

2

Well…scholarships are based on academic merit…so if you don’t meet SAP…how would you qualify?

3

It is up to the scholarship provider. Some outside scholarships have a ‘need’ component and may only provide the ‘last dollars’ needed to pay for your tuition, so they want to make sure you have applied for everything you are entitled to including Pell grants and other federal or state money. Some scholarships don’t require fafsa, even if they are provided by a state government. Bright Futures used to require the students fill out FAFSA, but dropped that requirement about 4 years ago (it’s provided through a state agency but is merit only, no need component).

You have to research each scholarship’s requirement, but no, not all scholarships are linked to FAFSA.

4

If you earn an outside scholarship, you still have to report it to your school regardless if you qualify for financial aid. Not necessarily linked to FAFSA unless you qualify for financial aid. Many outside scholarships are disbursed on your behalf directly to your school.

5

There are scholarships that do not have a need component and do not require submission of a FAFSA form.

BUT the vast majority of scholarships are awarded for academic merit. Please clarify how you will qualify for an outside scholarship based on academic merit if,you have not met SAP.

ETA?..you know you can still full out the FAFSA even IF you don’t meet SAP. You just won’t receive any aid from your school or the federal government. But you can complete the form…which would show your financial need…or not.

Some scholarships require a copy of a complete FAFSA.

Every scholarship I know of also requires academic excellence.

6

Are these scholarships that you’ve already been awarded? If so, do you have to report your grades to them>