A scholarship program is a grant that helps students get an education by providing funds for tuition fees, books, food and other essentials. Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit and financial need. Some are highly competitive and prestigious, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship at the graduate level and the Robertson, Morehead-Cain and Jefferson Scholarships at the undergraduate level. Academic scholarships generally use a minimum grade point average or standardized test scores, while other types of scholarships are awarded on the basis of extracurricular activities such as school clubs, community service, athletic skill and artistic talent.
Scholarships can be offered by schools, universities, private companies, foundations, civic groups, religious groups, charities, and professional organizations. Some are merit-based, and are granted primarily on the basis of academic achievements. Others are based on specific traits and characteristics, such as leadership skills or unique talents, interests, or attributes.
Scholarships can cover a range of costs, including tuition fees, books, supplies, housing (both on-campus and off-campus), food and transportation. Some are disbursed in one lump sum before the start of the semester, while others may be given out in increments throughout the year. Students should look at scholarship checks as an investment rather than free money, and they should carefully consider what they will spend the money on. Some scholarships have strict rules, such as requiring the recipient to work in a particular field after graduation or a requirement to live and study in a specific region.