Grants College Students
Get college scholarships if you can, but if you still fall short, you should look into applying for grants. Grants are like scholarships - they don’t need to be repaid - but are typically based more on need than on academic ability. Most grants come form the federal or state governments.
The amount of financial aid money that you’re eligable for in the form of a grant is determined by the federal government based on need. Oftentimes this is determined by yearly gross income and on expected family contribution.
The government offers many grants - some are just easier to find than others. Some common federal grants for funding public education are below:
Federal Pell Grant - To be eligible to receive this federal education funding, you must be getting your 1st undergraduate degree. A Pell Grant can award you up to $4,050/year, but is often less. The amount awarded is determined by the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant - Also abbreviated as SEOG, this grant is awarded to students, primarily undergraduates or professional study, unlike the Pell Grant. This grant is non-transferable between colleges - the amount awarded typically depends on the college you attend. Awarded annually, you get priority if you’re getting a Pell Grant as well. The amount awarded is up to $4,000/year.
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants - You must be getting a Pell Grant as well to be eligible and be attending a 1st or 2nd year of undergraduate college study. You must be a student full time and come from a competitive secondary school. You need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible to receive this grant. You can be awar4ded $750 for the 1st year of undergraduate study and $1,300 for the second year. these grants are often difficult to get.
Federal national Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants - Also known as a SMART Grant, this academic competitiveness grant needs a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. You need to be a Pell Grant recipient and be in your 3rd or 4th year of academic study. Your major must also be in a field related to math, science, engineering, technology, or a foreign language. If you are awarded this federal grant, you’ll earn $4,000/year.
Also look for grants provided by not-for-profit corporations or state or city governments.
To determine your eligibility and apply for federal grants, fill out the FAFSA.
If you’re looking for scholarships, use Fast Web.
