When college students earn a profit from scholarship money, something with the financial aid network is amiss.

Some students here, primarily University Braddock Scholarship recipients, receive both Penn State and outside merit scholarships, which together exceed the cost of room, board and tuition.

Beyond tuition, books, board and room, extra money from scholarships is a slap in the face to those who dream of gaining a college degree while scrimping and saving for rent and the next day's meal. And when the students earning a profit from scholarship money use those funds to finance personal expenses, their actions are borderline repulsive.

Attracting the top high school students from across the country is certainly beneficial for the University -- what professor would not want to teach a student with a high school grade point average of about 3.95 and an SAT score averaging around 1470?

But merit-based scholarships should be tempered with a certain amount of need. Students with strong academic records should receive merit- based scholarships if they require some sort of aid. Otherwise, the scholarships can be given to other academically strong students who must have aid to attend college.

Monitoring internal scholarships to prevent profit-making opportunities is another way to maintain fairness. The University of Pittsburgh limits its internal scholarships to the cost of education at the institution, and Rutgers University in New Jersey does the same if scholarship money exceeds tuition, room, board and fees.

Even if many students do not receive benefits in excess of tuition, room, board and fees, the University should try to prevent any disparities.

Of course those students receiving Braddock Scholarships and making a profit did not plan to earn money, and not all accept the extra funds, but students should not even be offered the opportunity.

Scholarships based on merit are beneficial if need is considered. Scholarships based on merit are scandalous if a student makes a profit and uses the funds for personal matters.