These funds may come from federal, state, regional, university, or other private sources. Some are based on academic merit, while others are based on financial need. The vast majority of scholarship and grant applications are posted to the institution’s website at least one semester in advance. Be sure to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline. 

For example: A scholarship application for the spring semester of the 2024-2025 school year may be available in early October of 2024 and may close for submission in December of 2024. Scholarships are then reviewed by a committee or chairperson from the awarding institution. Notifications are sent out to selected individuals toward the end of the semester. Funds are disbursed the following semester. Some are applied to the student’s college/university account, whereas others are issued directly to the student. Information about the method of disbursement is typically included in the application instructions.