What expenses do college scholarships typically cover?

I'm looking into different college scholarships and wondering about what they usually pay for. Apart from tuition, do they often cover books, accommodation, or living expenses?

Scholarships can indeed cover various components of your college costs depending on the specific scholarship, who sponsors it, and what the stipulations are. Many scholarships, often called "tuition scholarships," are meant to subsidize the cost of tuition and fees. However, there are others that cover much broader expenses.

"Full ride" or "full tuition" scholarships, provided by some schools or outside organizations, cover all of tuition, room and board, and sometimes even include a stipend for books, transportation, and personal expenses. Ivy League schools, for instance, offer need-based financial aid packages that cover tuition along with these additional costs.

Other scholarships may cover more specific costs. For example, there are scholarships intended to help with costs related to housing or meal plans, others that might provide a stipend for textbooks and supplies, or even travel expenses for studying abroad.

Do keep in mind that while these scholarships can certainly help reduce your financial burden, you'll need to remember to comply with any requirements to stay eligible, such as maintaining a certain GPA. Also, be aware that some scholarships are one-time, while others might be renewable over a certain number of years.

The key is to look at the details of each specific scholarship to understand exactly what it covers. This will help you anticipate any gaps in funding that you'll need to supplement with savings, work-study, or loans.