Grants for College

Are financial problems hindering your college education? A grant may be ideal for you!

Like loans, college grants can help you through university, but it gets much better than that. How? You don’t have to repay a grant after getting one! . Most grants sponsor your schooling and set you free right after.

So, how can you find one? College grants may be public or private-funded, although the former dominates the headlines.

Keep reading for relevant knowledge on student grants, including how to apply for one, factors to consider before your application, and recommendations that may improve your position when you apply.

Fundamentals of Applying for a College Grant

Applying for a college grant is easy. However, the approach may differ according to the funding source (public or private). Nevertheless, it’s noteworthy that college grants are primarily awarded based on merit or need.

To apply for a federal college grant, start by filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

You and your parents will need to create an FSA ID, a digital signature that qualifies you to submit your application.

Other necessities include your social security number, asset records, schools of interest, and the family’s latest federal income tax return to determine eligibility and estimated family contribution.

Why Consider College Grants?

Alongside scholarships, college grants are among the best forms of financial aid a student can access. The reason why is obvious: you don’t have to repay the aid. Unlike loans, a grant helps to ensure life after college is easier to start.

What’s better?

International students are also eligible for college grants, although the count is relatively low compared to domestic offerings. Currently, the Fulbright program is one of the most recognized public international educational exchange programs in the US.

Do I Pay Back a College Grant?

Unlike student loans, you don’t need to pay back a financial grant as long as you’ve met all eligibility obligations. This ruling also applies to scholarships and work-study programs that cover educational expenses.

How to Determine Eligibility for College Grants

Public grants naturally have the exact basic requirements.

So, when applying for a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or any other government-sponsored grant, the first condition is that you’re in actual need.

If this need is established, then the consideration shifts to your citizenship. The qualified people usually are US nationals and eligible non-citizens. One other necessity is that you’re currently enrolled in a program or degree qualified for the grant.

Conversely, eligibility for a private grant may vary according to the organizer. They may be awarded based on meritorious achievements, such as achieving a certain GPA or demonstrating a high level of proficiency in a field of study or hobby.

What Are the Different Types of Financial Grants?

The Department of Education (ED) offers several types of grants. Here are the four major ones:

Federal Pell Grant

Starting in 1972, the Federal Pell Grant is the most common undergraduate student grant. Awarded by the ED through your university, the best thing about Pell is that all eligible students will receive their grants.

Qualification is ascertained according to financial need, calculated using household income, expected family contribution, enrollment status, cost of school attendance, and whether you’re a full or part-time student.

As a result, very low-income undergraduate students can expect the most significant college grants.

As of this writing, the maximum award is $6,495 per year. All students can continue to receive Federal Pell Grants each year until 12 terms (six subsequent years) are reached.

Note the maximum grant money award can increase with few exceptions. For example, if your parent or guardian is an active, retired, or deceased military service personnel, then you may be able to receive additional

Federal Pell Grant funds.

To keep receiving the Federal Pell Grant each year, students must continue participating in an undergraduate student program and complete the FAFSA form every year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
As the title suggests, the FSEOG is a supplemental award for students with the lowest household income.

Prizes are much smaller than Pell Grant, ranging from $100 to $4000. Also, unlike federal Pell Grants, the scheme doesn’t cover every eligible applicant. Instead, it tends to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

Students whose parents or guardians died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan are awarded Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

This grant is open to students under 24 years of age or enrolled in a college program at the time of their parent’s or guardian’s death. Note that this award doesn’t apply to undocumented students.

As for max, the statutory maximum award is $6,495 (like the Federal Pell Grant). However, this amount is reduced by 5.7% before disbursement, so the highest you can receive is $6,124.

Both Federal Pell Grant eligible and non-eligible students can receive Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants. Like the Federal Pell Grant, students must submit a FAFSA form every year to remain eligible for this grant.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)

Unlike other grants highlighted already, TEACH automatically becomes a loan if you don’t meet specific requirements after graduation. What are these requirements?

You must complete a teaching service after school. In this case, “teaching service” means serving as a full-time teacher in a low-income heavy school and completing four years of teaching before your 8th year after leaving college.

TEACH is tied to enrollment status and academic achievement, with a minimum of 3.25 cumulative GPA or scoring above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test.

Overall, don’t ignore aid offered by your college’s financial aid office.

For information, every school has a dedicated financial support office you may consult for tuition cost, work-study programs, fees, community service programs, and scholarships by major, along with eligibility requirements and deadlines.

Also, if you have maxed out federal aid, look to your state’s student aid programs. Every state has a higher education agency that can guide federal grants for college education.

What Is a CSS Profile?

A CSS profile is an online application students fill out to be eligible for non-federal grants awarded by participating colleges. It’s a program organized by approximately 400 institutions willing to provide personal grants to their students.

Start your application by creating an account, completing/submitting your application, and uploading all relevant documents, including federal tax returns and other financial details.

As for fees, applicants have to pay $25 on the first application and $16 each on subsequent submissions. So, if you apply to 5 schools, you’ll pay $89 in total.

What About Private Scholarships?

Although private scholarships and employee grants make up a tiny proportion of the aid awarded to US students, it’s a viable source for many.

In addition, all types of private organizations offer the scholarship, including religious and non-profit institutions, to recognize all kinds of academic and extracurricular achievements.

Eligibility for private scholarships depends on who is issuing the scholarship.

Expect to meet a minimum GPA, standardized test score, or demonstrate hard work performing community service or other activity showing high moral character. Others may also require you to write an essay.

Grants are helpful to see out your study in the college of your dreams. Keep an eye out for any of these opportunities and apply as stipulated. With many grants available at your disposal and a little bit of elbow grease, it’s only a matter of time before you qualify for one.