Winning a scholarship is always worth celebrating—but what if it doesn’t cover everything? Partial scholarships are more common than full rides and can still make a big difference in easing the financial burden of college. The key is knowing how to handle the gap between your scholarship and your total costs. Here’s what to do next if you find yourself with a partial scholarship.
1. Understand What the Scholarship Covers
Start by reading the scholarship award letter carefully. A partial scholarship might cover:
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Tuition only
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A specific dollar amount per semester
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Room and board
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Books or supplies
Knowing exactly what’s covered helps you calculate what you still need to pay and prevents surprises later. If anything is unclear, contact the scholarship provider or your school’s financial aid office.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
2. Calculate the Remaining Cost
Once you know what your scholarship pays for, determine your full cost of attendance, including:
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Tuition and fees
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Housing and meals
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Books and materials
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Transportation
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Personal expenses
Subtract your scholarship amount from the total cost to figure out your funding gap. This gives you a clear target to aim for as you seek out additional aid or savings.
3. Apply for Additional Scholarships and Grants
Just because you’ve already received one scholarship doesn’t mean you should stop looking. There are thousands of scholarships available from different sources—some can even be stacked with others. Look for:
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Local scholarships from community organizations
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Awards from your intended major or department
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Identity- or interest-based scholarships
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Grants through FAFSA or state programs
Keep applying even after you start college—many scholarships are open to current students, not just incoming freshmen.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
4. Talk to Your School’s Financial Aid Office
Your college’s financial aid office can be a valuable resource. They may help you:
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Find additional institutional scholarships or grants
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Set up a payment plan
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Access emergency aid or work-study opportunities
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Adjust your financial aid package based on new information
Sometimes, simply letting the office know your financial situation has changed can lead to more support.
5. Consider Federal Student Aid and Loans
If you haven’t already, fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for:
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Federal Pell Grants
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State grants
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Federal work-study
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Federal student loans
Loans should be a last resort, but they can fill in the gaps when other resources fall short—especially if you’re eligible for subsidized loans with lower interest rates.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
6. Create or Adjust Your Budget
Winning a partial scholarship is a big help, but it doesn’t replace the need for smart financial planning. Build a budget based on:
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Your updated costs
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Any savings or income you have
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Expected expenses during the semester
A realistic budget helps you avoid overspending and ensures your funds stretch further. Consider using apps or spreadsheets to track your spending and set goals.
7. Explore Work Opportunities
A part-time job—either on campus or nearby—can help you cover living expenses. Many students find success with:
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Federal work-study jobs (available through FAFSA)
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Campus jobs (library, tutoring, front desk)
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Freelance or gig work (especially for those with specific skills like writing, graphic design, or coding)
Just be sure to balance work with your academic responsibilities.
If you need an explanation on writing your CV, Cover Letter and Email Template or help applying speak to Happy Face
