<p>My D has been fortunate enough to receive a full ride (merit based) to one of her top choices. We did not apply for financial aid (the online calculators indicated we wouldn't qualify). In addition to the school scholarship, she received one of the $2500 scholarship offers from National Merit, and the school tacks on an additional $1000 per year for being NMSF. It appears that for 2007-2008 the amount of the merit scholarships will exceed the published cost of attendance by $1100. My question is this: will she be allowed to use the extra $1100 for things such as a laptop, or will she lose the money? I've done some research on this, but can only find the rules for someone who has applied for and is receiving need based aid.</p>
<p>I realize that our best bet is to call the school and inquire as to their policy. However, I was hoping someone here had some knowledge or experience about this type of situation, so I won't sound foolish when I call the school. Any information would be greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>For most colleges, the answer is 'no.'
But it doesnt hurt to check. Also, some merit scholarships are for tuition, room, and board. Generally, those are full scholarships so I dont it would apply to your situation.</p>
<p>Unless laptop is a requirement, she won't be able to use it. However, you may ask if they would defer some of the money for future years, and what other things they could add on her COA.</p>
<p>My guess is that you don't need to return any merit based money. Since they were given independent of need, need fulfilled have nothing to do with it.</p>
<p>My understanding is that merit based money that is completely independant of of financial need does not have to be returned. I know my Ds friend has a full ride at our State U for being a national merit finalist and a couple of other merit scholarships he has will go to day to day expenses. It may vary by school so you should probably double check.</p>
<p>simba: thanks for the congrats
inverse: I hope you're right!
swimcatsmom: I'm hoping my D's future college handles it the same way as your D's friend's State U.</p>
<p>I'll call the school and verify. Thanks all!</p>
<p>My S was in the same position at UF a few years ago. He received Florida Bright Futures, a NM corporate scholarship, 2 private outside scholarships and UF's National Merit award, which was substantial. He ended up with a couple of thousand bucks in his pocket. UF didn't care - it was all merit money.</p>
<p>You should call the school to be sure, but I think your D will be fine. The only downside is that the portion of those scholarships that exceed tuition and required fees will be taxable. Small price to pay, though, in my opinion.</p>
<p>My son goes to a State U and they refunded the extra outside scholarship money to him. He will be paying taxes, but that's a good problem to have.</p>
<p>National Merit Scholarship has restrictions and can only go to tuition, room, board, books. The school will look at the requirements of each scholarship before a decision can be made, some only say tution and fees, other's allow any expense including personal. Each private and governmental organization writes its own requirements. </p>
<p>I have known other students in this situation. In all but two cases, all merit money could go to the cost of attendance but no higher. Once cost of attendance was reached, universitity's own scholarship was reduced. However, cost of attendance would include money for books (set amt), travel and personal expenses (set amt) so each got money refunded to them of 2-4 thousand to cover personal and travel. In one case, school allowed higher travel because of higher plane fares to where they lived and also added in the cost of a computer for first year only to come up with an individual higher cost of attendance so they pocketed higher amount. In only one case did the student get to keep whole amount earned regardless of cost of attendance (something like 5000-6000 extra a year). In the other, they let the student "bank" some of the funds for future travel abroad/summer course oppotunities but if student didn't use, they did not get the extra.</p>