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Grants for college are a type of financial aid that you may not need to pay back. Grants for college students may help pay for tuition, books, housing and other school expenses.
Like scholarships, student grants for college are money that you can use to fund your education. Unlike student loans which often require repayment, grants under certain conditions may only require the recipient keep up with their studies and attend classes as scheduled while receiving this benefit from an organization or government agency.
Any student attending college may be eligible for grant money. Grants are typically need-based, so students with the greatest financial aid needs may receive the largest awards. Students may apply for federal, state and institutional grants when they fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The information collected on the FAFSA form is used to determine your eligibility for federal, state and school aid.
Eligibility to receive a grant for college varies. But to qualify for federal student aid one needs to meet a few basic requirements below:
Student grants for college are more often need based but some are merit based too. These grants may have a performance indicator. This might mean you need to maintain a certain GPA.
Some grants may only be available to students from certain backgrounds or who are studying specific subjects. Here are some of the most popular types of grants for college:
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers a range of federal grants. These need based grant programs provide students with money for college. They are usually for students attending four year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools. The amount of money each person receives may depend on:
The four main types of federal grants that provide funds for college are:
In addition to federal grant programs, many states offer grant money for college. These state-sponsored grant programs typically have less competition and may be easier to qualify for than federal grants.
The Department of Education in your state may help you find grants to help you pay for college. Many states offer need based grants in amounts determined by your FAFSA. You may need to maintain a GPA, be a resident and/or pursue specific majors.
The main difference between a grant and scholarship is that scholarships are usually merit-based, while grants tend to be need-based. Scholarships are awarded based on things like academic achievement, athletic ability, or extracurricular involvement. Grants, on the other hand, are typically awarded based on financial need.
Another key difference is that scholarships are typically awarded by colleges, private organizations, or corporations. Grants, on the other hand, are typically awarded by the federal government or state governments.
Finally, scholarship money often does not have to be repaid, while grant money may need to be repaid under certain circumstances (such as if you withdraw from school or fail to meet other requirements).
So, if you’re looking for money to help pay for college and don’t have the grades or test scores to qualify for a scholarship, a grant may be your best bet. And if you’re having trouble coming up with the money to pay back student loans, grants can may also be able to help with that.
Check out our list of college grants options below. We have 321,478 awards worth $912M.
Grants provide funding for college studies and research. They are provided through federal, state, and local, government programs as well as colleges, universities, and career or technical schools. Unlike scholarships, grants may come with specific conditions and obligations that the student must complete during the funding period. Learn more about what makes grants unique and find programs you're eligible to apply for today!
Grants are available for women of all ages and majors who are attending or planning to enroll in a college or university. Depending upon the terms of the grant, these funds may be used for things like tuition, books, child care, travel, and other expenses. Click here to view the grants for women we've included within our financial aid finder, and start applying today!
Fellowships are short-term funding opportunities. Many are funding for a research project. The funds usually last 9 to 12 months. Students may receive the money in the form of tuition credits and/or stipends. Most fellowships do come with a tuition stipend. A stipend is a living allowance. It often pays out in fixed amounts rather than an hourly wage. Fellows don’t usually have to clock hours, though they do need to complete their project on the date agreed. Browse and apply today!
If you're a graduate student, browse this directory to see what grants you can apply for to fund your education!
In honor of promoting and supporting diversity, these grants are offered to minority students! Find hundreds of minority grants for college!
Most states provide grants for students who are residents of the state and/or attending college within the state. Learn more about the types of grants that states provide and how to apply for these valuable sources of educational funding.
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