How does financial aid work? Do you get actual cash to pay for your books, tuition etc. or is it different?

Question

I'm registering for school for the fall semester (late registration actually) but I was wondering what would happen after I was granted financial aid.

Answer 1

Depends on where the aid is coming from. If the university is giving it to you for tuition purposes then they'll usually just credit your account. You won't pay but you won't see cash. If you have some type of aid that is specified for books, room/board, etc. then you may see a check.

Private scholarships also depend. Some will give you a check to your name and others will credit the university.