P.Diddy's son Justin gets $54,000 scholarship

Less than a year after Diddy's son, Justin Combs, committed to play football at UCLA, some consumers are raising questions over whether the well-heeled freshman should turn over his $54,000 scholarship to students who need it more.

In an interview with CNN, education contributor Dr. Steve Perry defended Combs' merit-based scholarship, saying he earned it fair and square. At the Upstate New York prep school where Combs recently graduated, he maintained a 3.75 GPA while playing cornerback for the football team. 

"He's done what he needs to do to be successful and in 'Ameritocracy' we have to accept that no matter who your father is, whether he be rich, poor or absent, that you can in fact be successful on your own merit," Perry said.

There's no denying Diddy can afford to send his son to college. The entertainment mogul was recently named the wealthiest artist in hip hop by Forbes Magazine, so far adding $45 million to his empire in 2012 alone.

But Combs' scholarship, which is awarded to student athletes specifically, is one of about 285 full athletic scholarships UCLA awards each year, according to a statement issued Wednesday.

Still, some students are balking, calling on the athletic department to reconsider the scholarship altogether.