Grants are generally awarded by federal and state governments for students in extreme financial need.

The grant is gift money that does not have to paid back. All federal grants require you to file the FAFSA form to determine eligibility. Grants are administered and disbursed by the schools.

There are four types of Federal Aid Grants:

1. Pell Grant:
   
   The most common federal grant. It is awarded to undergraduate students only (and in some cases, post-baccalaureate students in teacher certification programs).
   
   The amounts awarded range from $400-to-$4,050 per academic year. The Pell Grant is reserved for the neediest students.
   
   To see if you are eligible for the Pell Grant, you must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
   
   It will use a formula to estimate the qualified amount based on the EFC and cost of attendance (see aid step1 for EFC information). Any eligible amount will be noted in your financial award letter from your school:
   
   click to open FAFSA links and information
   
   
   download the Student Guide Book for further information:
   PDF file from the US. Dept. of Education
   
   
   
   
   
2. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
   
   This grant is available for qualified undergraduate applicants who show exceptional financial need. The amounts awarded range from $100-to-$4,000.
   
   You must first compete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to see if you qualify. It will use a formula to estimate the qualified amount based on the EFC and cost of attendance (see note 1 for EFC information). Any eligible amount will be noted in your financial award letter from your school:
   
   click to open FAFSA links and information
   
   
   download the Student Guide Book for further information:
   PDF file from the US. Dept. of Education
   
   
   
   
   
3. Academic Competitiveness Grant

   
   An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education.
   
   Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.
   
   
   download the Student Guide Book for further information:
   PDF file from the US. Dept. of Education
   

   
   

4. National SMART Grant

   
   A National SMART Grant will provide up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security.
   
   The student must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. The National SMART Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.
   
   
   download the US Department of Education Student Aid Booklet for more detailed information about federal grants

Federal Work-Study Program offers work-study programs

For both undergraduate and graduate students where the student can work part-time on campus or in the community to earn money to help pay for education expenses.

Students are paid at the federal minimum wage (or more) on an hourly basis —

The wage is dependent upon your skill set and work requirement. Graduate students may be paid hourly or by salary.

Work assignments can be on-campus and off-campus work in public-related services. The amount of work is determined by your school and cannot exceed the Federal Work-Study award.

Contact your school's financial aid office for information about the Work-Study program.

You must first compete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form

click to open FAFSA links and information



download the US Department of Education Student Aid Booklet for more detailed information about federal grants

About Scholarships:

Scholarships are available from many private and educational institutions. This type of financial aid does not have to be paid back.

There are 3 categories of scholarships:

1. Institutional Scholarships:
   scholarships from the college to the student for achievement in athletic, academic, and extracurricular activities such as music, art and other.
   
   Many colleges likewise award scholarships for certain majors; i.e., academic achieved students majoring in mathematics. So complete a thorough research potential awards.
   
   
2. Private Scholarships:
   generally from employers, religious and ethnic affiliations.
   
   
3. Service Scholarships:
   national and community associations and the military . These scholarships are awarded in exchange for community or military service after your graduate.

Take note that many non-funded scholarships may be from your own local area — area businesses and associations.

Scholarship Search:

You need to start early to find all available scholarships. Check your field of study, ethnic background, social and religious affiliations, parent's employment, family club memberships, and local businesses and clubs.

Beware of potential scholarship scams. A general rule to follow is, "if they request money from you in order to get money", they are likely a scam:

detecting/reporting scholarship scams:
www.ftc.gov/bcp


begin your scholarship search online

Scholarship Requirements:

Every program is different, so check early on what will be required and make sure you meet all deadlines.

The scholarship may require an essay, written exam, or some demonstration/document of your eligibility

Most scholarships (including athletic) will require a minimum GPA. Failure to maintain your GPA level could forfeit your award.

Most scholarship funds will be sent to the college directly on your behalf.

Scholarship essay editing resources:
www.EssayEdge.com

Private Institutions:

Private organizations that offer scholarships or loans to members and their families who below to the organization

Institutions include churches, community groups, professional associations, hobby groups, and others.

use our scholarship search directory:
start your search here

Many businesses offer educational allowances to employees and their families — check with your parents' employee benefits department.