16-year-old teen demands sister give her portion of her tuition money to use for clothes and make-up, despite older sister repeatedly refusing, explaining it's solely for educational expenses, sparking drama: 'I even went through my budget with her'

Author image for Emma Saven
Emma Saven
Dec 5, 2025 7:00 AM EST

A scholarship is an incredible achievement that's extremely hard to come by…So if one is lucky enough to receive one throughout school or university, it's important to use it responsibly if one is given direct control over the lump sum. There might be other factors in your life, other than your education, where you would prefer to spend that money, but it's important to remember what it is intended for. Providing you with a sufficient education so that you eventually can afford to nurture those other areas in your life financially. 

And if you do receive a large amount of money strictly intended for tuition, you may come across people who may try to persuade you to spend it on other things…such as them! Take it from this older sister who was just gifted an amazing scholarship. After receiving the money, she was suddenly bombarded with shopping requests and demands from her teenage sister…'But can't you buy me this'…'But I really want that' …However, what this teenage girl is struggling to understand is that her sister's tuition is solely for educational expenses, not the newest limited-edition Sephora mascara or Gap Christmas sweater…It's called looking long-term! 

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  • But this older sister is standing firm on her decision, refusing to give in to her sister's demanding expectations. No one wants to disappoint their younger siblings, but there comes a point in time where, by 16 years old, she should probably understand the intended use of a scholarship…Putting pressure on her sibling to give her a portion of it is not only unfair but extremely uncalled for. So if she really wants to spend all her time in the mall, she may as well get a job there while she's at it!

  • Young woman applying mascara
    via karola-g

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • AITAH for refusing to split my scholarship money to my sister?

    I recently received a small scholarship that fully covers my tuition. It has been a huge relief because I can focus on my classes without worrying about paying for school.
    via NoriChimes
  • The scholarship also comes with some restrictions, so it can only be used for tuition, books, and other school-related expenses.
    via NoriChimes
  • A few weeks after I got the scholarship, my younger sister, who is 16, started asking me for money from it.
    via NoriChimes
  • She wanted it to buy clothes, makeup, and other personal items. I explained that the scholarship money is strictly for school and that I cannot use it for anything else.
    via NoriChimes
  • I also tried to make it clear that if I gave her any of the money, I would have to cover the costs myself, which would be difficult.
    via NoriChimes
  • She kept asking and I kept saying no. I made sure to show her that the scholarship only covers tuition and that I am already budgeting the rest carefully for books, materials, and other education- related expenses.
    via NoriChimes
  • I even went through my budget with her to show exactly where the money goes. Despite repeated requests, I never gave her any of it.
    via NoriChimes
  • I refused every time, sticking to the purpose of the scholarship. I focused on making sure my school responsibilities were taken care of and avoided using the money for anything personal.
    via NoriChimes
  • Tuition money
    via africa-images

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • I also tried to redirect her toward her own ways of managing money and finding what she needs without touching my scholarship funds.
    via NoriChimes
  • At this point, I've maintained my position and followed all the scholarship rules. I have not let the situation affect my school or finances, and I continue to use the funds exactly as intended.
    via NoriChimes
  • So, AITA for keeping my scholarship money strictly for my education and not giving any of it to my sister?
    via NoriChimes
  • Fancy-Meaning-8078 Of course not. Your only mistake was engaging in conversations about it. The only thing you should say to that is "that's not how scholarships works" if you want extra money ask mom and dad or get a part time job. Nta
    via NoriChimes
  • OP NoriChimes Yeah you're right. I probably shouldn't have gotten into that conversation
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  • Winter-eyed NTA. Your sister needs to stay in school. She obviously isn't smart enough to understand that a scholarship is not fun money and is non-transferable. Violation of the terms can make you responsible for reimbursement of all funds allocated in the agreement.
    via NoriChimes
  • OP NoriChimes True! I told her the scholarship isn't a cash grab, it's strictly brain fuel
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  • NTA. Srvntgrrl_789 I'm surprised your sister still thinks she's entitled to your scholarship funds even after you walked her through everything, which you didn't have to do. She can get a job, or ask your parents.
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  • OP NoriChimes I tried explaining everything so it would be clear. I just hope she can find another way to get what she needs
    via NoriChimes
  • Mother arguing with her teenage daugher
    via dimaberlinphotos

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Adelucas NTA. If she wants money she can go out and earn it. Many people have a part time job working round school. As a matter of principle, once you start earning your own money, don't get into the habit of telling people what you earn, how much you've saved, and handing over cash when asked. Your sister already feels entitled to what you have (even though it's not free cash and has strict restrictions on it's use) so imagine how she'll be later on in life. Nip it in the bud and refuse every t
    via NoriChimes
  • OP NoriChimes I'll keep my funds for books and tuition, not for her fun money empire
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  • Few-Chipmunk143 NTA. Would you be at risk for losing the scholarship by misappropriating its funds?
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  • OP NoriChimes I don't want to risk losing it
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  • RoughEmu2878 NTA. Not in the slightest. I want to say more but I feel as though it's extremely obvious you're not the AH and why But yea, you're not wrong.
    via NoriChimes
  • auntie_beans This is the perfect answer. Scholarships are not gifts to spend any way you like. No more discussions, though I might add that if she does well in school maybe she'll get one too. Or not.
    via NoriChimes

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