Left Over Financial Aid/Scholarships

<p>I have a little over $2000 left after all of my scholarship and financial aid has been added up. The college that I am going to attend is saying that I cannot receive the left over money. I understand that I cannot receive left over scholarship money, but left over financial aid in my opinion should be given to the student. Is this the way it is supposed to be? Or am I supposed to receive what financial aid that I have left over?</p>

<p>Make an appointment with the financial aid office, and sit down with one of the directors there so you can discuss their specific policy. The rules for federal money are very clear and cannot be violated. Each college and university sets its own policy about how to use their own money, and how outside money can be applied. If the excess is outside money, talk the situation over, and find out if it is something that could be used to cover your books, materials, travel costs, etc. Sometimes just shifting the money from one column to another will make a difference. You also should ask whether the money could be applied to next year’s costs or to a summer program. Those might be possible as well. If some of the money is grant money, and some was loans, find out if the grant money can be applied against the loans so that you have less debt facing you when you graduate.</p>

<p>Thanks a lot!</p>

<p>If you have aid/merit that meets COA, then you should be getting a check for the amount that is for personal expenses and travel. The school may be reducing its grants because you received merit.</p>