What to Know About Student Grant Programs

Student grants are financial awards that help fund college tuition and expenses. For the most part, student grants do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive option for students seeking funding for their education.

Getting a grant to pay for college requires careful planning, research, and dedication.

By understanding the types of grants available, completing the FAFSA, meeting eligibility requirements, staying organized, and crafting strong applications, you can increase your chances of securing the financial assistance you need to pursue your higher education goals.

Note that in some scenarios, organizations may require that a portion or all of the grant funds be repaid. As an example, students who withdraw from school before finishing an enrollment period such as a semester will likely have to repay a grant. Each grant program noted below has specific eligibility criteria, which may include factors such as income, academic achievement/merit, and residency.

It’s essential to review the eligibility requirements for each grant you’re interested in and make sure you meet them. Some grants may also have GPA or course load requirements, so maintain good academic standing to remain eligible.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools. Check out the grant programs for more details and to learn how to apply:

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants

Federal Student Grant Programs website is a good resource to bookmark to research details for different federal student grant programs.

Many states offer grants to residents pursuing higher education within their state. These grants often have specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines, so it’s essential to research the options available in your state. Use this resource to research state grants: US Department of Education

Merit-based grants provide free college funds to students based on academic performance, sometimes in combination with financial need.  The most common types of merit-based grants are state-based grants, which award education money to students with certain grade point averages and income levels. Additional resources are available to begin learning about merit based grants.

Need-based grants are often awarded to students who may not be able to attend college without the funds.  Sometimes your family income is a key in the formula for determining the ability to pay and sometimes it is not.  The amount you receive each year may change depending on federal budget restrictions, your family’s expected cost contribution and your student status. The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded only to students with the most need.

There are also federally-funded work-study programs, which provide financially needy students with on-campus (or, in some cases, off-campus) job opportunities. These part-time positions are held while the student is enrolled in school, and are available to both part-time and full-time undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. However, not all schools participate in the Federal Work-Study Program. It pays to check with a school’s financial aid office to find out if the institution participates.