Scholarships are financial awards given to students to help pay for their education. They are typically based on merit, such as academic or athletic achievement, or based on financial need. Scholarships can come from a variety of sources, including the government, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and private companies. They can be used to cover tuition and other educational expenses, such as books, supplies, and housing. Some of them are renewable, meaning that students can receive them for multiple years, while others are one-time awards. Receiving a scholarship can greatly reduce the cost of a student’s education and make it more affordable.