If I take a semester of summer classes, I would be able to graduate a year early. However, the scholarship I received when I was accepted to the school was for 4 years. Since I wouldn’t be taking the 4th year and instead only be taking 3 years, would it be possible to apply the scholarship money I won’t be using from my 4th year and instead apply it to pay for my summer classes?
For example, lets say offered $10,000 a year for 4 years of study. In total my scholarship is essentially worth $40,000. Since I would finish in 3 years, I would only be using $30,000 of what they offered me. Does that additional $10,000 disappear? Or is there a way to apply it for summer?
Ehh you might be able to, it all depends on your school’s policy. It is their money after all. Speak to your school’s financial aid office regarding the terms of the scholarship - they will be able to help you determine if this is an option.
I doubt they will allow you, and here is why. Let’s say they give you the 10k for summer, and you fail the classes/have to drop them for whatever reason. You are then up a creek without a paddle for the upcoming year without any of that assistance. Schools design that money to be used during the traditional school year, and any choices you make to finish early are on you - and up to you to fund. Also, summer classes are usually offered at a discounted rate, which would mean that the school would likely prorate your scholarship money in the first place, if they were to allow you to have it. In most cases, that money simply disappears if you finish early as that was a choice you made.