For many students, the question isn’t whether they’ll get a scholarship—it’s whether they can combine several scholarships to cover more of their educational costs. The good news? In many cases, yes, you can combine multiple scholarships. But there are some important details to understand before stacking awards like building blocks.
Here’s how to make it work:
Understand the Types of Scholarships
Before combining scholarships, know what kind you’re dealing with. Common types include:
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Merit-based scholarships – awarded for academic, artistic, or athletic excellence.
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Need-based scholarships – based on financial necessity.
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Private scholarships – offered by companies, nonprofits, or individuals.
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Institutional scholarships – given by colleges or universities themselves.
Understanding the source of your scholarships helps you navigate how they can interact with one another.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Check the Stacking Policy
Not all schools allow scholarship stacking. Some institutions follow what’s known as a “scholarship displacement” policy. This means if you earn multiple scholarships, the school may reduce your financial aid package to avoid exceeding your cost of attendance.
What to do:
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Contact the financial aid office at your school to ask about their policy.
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Ask specifically if private or outside scholarships will impact your aid package.
Keep Detailed Records
Once you begin receiving multiple awards, organization becomes critical.
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Track award amounts, renewal criteria, and usage restrictions.
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Note whether a scholarship is one-time or renewable each year.
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Create a simple spreadsheet to monitor deadlines, disbursement dates, and total award amounts.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Communicate with Donors
If you’re receiving scholarships from outside organizations, be transparent with them.
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Let them know you’re receiving multiple awards.
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Some scholarships have clauses about exclusivity or cannot be used in combination with others.
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If you’re unsure, ask. It’s better to clarify up front than risk losing a scholarship later.
Understand How the Money is Applied
Scholarships can cover different aspects of your educational expenses:
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Tuition and fees
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Room and board
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Books and supplies
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Transportation or other education-related costs
Some scholarships are flexible, while others specify exactly what the funds can be used for. If one covers tuition, another can go toward housing or books. Knowing how each fund applies can help you make the most of your awards without overlapping or wasting resources.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
Adjust Your FAFSA
Once you receive additional scholarships, update your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Your school’s financial aid office may need this updated info to adjust your award letter or recalculate your aid package.
Plan for the Future
Many scholarships are renewable—but not all. Understand which ones require an annual application or specific GPA to keep. Plan ahead so you don’t experience a financial shortfall in future years.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
