What Happens If You Lose Your College Scholarship?

If you've won a scholarship to go to college, then congratulations. But remember, there are serious implications if you fail to maintain the terms of the scholarship and lose it.

What Happens If You Lose Your College Scholarship?
Rebeca Alvidrez

Considering BrokeScholar is a site devoted to college scholarships, grants, and student discounts, we understand how pivotal winning a scholarship can be for a college-bound student. Scholarships are an important means of financial assistance for many students attending college. They provide financial support to students who may not have the means to pay for college on their own. 

While receiving a scholarship can be a great achievement and opportunity, losing a scholarship can have significant implications for a student. Thus, for this article, were going to explore the implications of losing a college scholarship.

Financial Implications

The most obvious implication of losing a college scholarship is the financial impact it can have on a student. Scholarships often cover a significant portion of a student's tuition and fees, and losing that support can leave students struggling to pay for college. This may lead to increased student loan debt or the need to work more hours to cover the costs of attending college.

In addition, losing a scholarship may also mean losing other financial benefits, such as a stipend or living expenses. This can create additional financial strain for students, particularly those who may be supporting themselves or their families while attending college.

Academic Implications

Many scholarships are based on academic performance, and losing a scholarship may signal a decline in a student's academic standing. This can be particularly discouraging for students who have worked hard to maintain their grades and may cause them to lose motivation to continue pursuing their academic goals.

Furthermore, losing a scholarship may also impact a student's ability to continue their education. For example, if a scholarship was necessary to cover the costs of attending a particular college or university, losing that scholarship may mean having to transfer to a different institution or even dropping out of college altogether.

Emotional Implications

Losing a scholarship can also have emotional implications for students. It can be a blow to their self-esteem and confidence, particularly if they feel like they have let down their family, friends, or themselves. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and disappointment, which may impact a student's mental health and well-being.

Furthermore, losing a scholarship may also impact a student's sense of belonging and connection to the college or university. Students who lose scholarships may feel like they no longer have the same opportunities or resources available to them, which can impact their sense of community and support on campus.

Repercussions for Future Opportunities

Finally, losing a college scholarship can have implications for a student's future opportunities. Many scholarships are highly competitive and prestigious, and losing one may impact a student's ability to secure similar opportunities in the future.

For example, some scholarships may be linked to internships, research opportunities, or other extracurricular activities that can help students build their resume and gain valuable experience. Losing a scholarship may mean losing access to these opportunities, which can impact a student's ability to secure employment or gain admission to graduate school.

In addition, losing a scholarship may also impact a student's ability to secure future financial support. Many scholarships require recipients to maintain a certain GPA or meet other requirements in order to continue receiving funding. If a student loses a scholarship due to academic performance or other factors, it may impact their ability to secure similar scholarships in the future.

The Bottom Line on Losing College Scholarships

Losing a college scholarship can have significant implications for students. It can impact their finances, academic performance, emotional well-being, and future opportunities. While losing a scholarship can be discouraging, it's important for students to remember that there are still resources and support available to help them continue pursuing their academic and personal goals. By seeking out new opportunities, working hard, and staying positive, students can overcome the challenges of losing a scholarship and continue to succeed in college and beyond.

Andrew DePietro

Author: Andrew DePietro

Senior Researcher, and Content Strategist

Andrew DePietro is a finance writer covering topics such as entrepreneurship, investing, real estate and college for BrokeScholar, Forbes, CreditKarma, and more.