As the cost of a college education is skyrockets, the information on how to Apply for Grants for College becomes more and more important. Federal programs encourage students to further their education through these grant programs. Almost two thirds of all students, currently attending colleges and universities in the United States, receive some sort of financial aid.
Grants differ from student loans in that a grant is awarded like a gift and doesn’t need to be paid back. A student loan does need to be paid back – with interest. Federal grants are offered through the federal government to help students pay for their tuition and books. Students apply for grants for college to determine eligibility. Once approved, they receive a specific sum each to be used toward their college education.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Grants for College?
Eligibility requirements will be determined once the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is submitted. The amount of income from parents or guardians is taken into consideration as well as grades and financial need. The formulae they used for this determination produces the Expected Family Contribution amount (EFC), which in turn, determines how much grant money you are eligible for. The FAFSA form should be updated every year by students who apply for grants for college for each school year that they are eligible for.
Typical eligibility requirements for obtaining federal grants are based on the following:
- Financial need
- U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
- High school diploma or GED
- Full or part time status
- Cost of your tuition
- Undergraduate student who have not earned a bachelor’s degree but enrolled in a degree program
Applying for Grants for College
There are two distinct types of grants –
- Direct ~ Direct grants are those in which the student will directly apply for grants for college directly to the federal government or other grant programs.
- Pass Through ~ The pass through grant program is where the state applies to the federal government for a grant. The federal government passes the grant back to the state where it is awarded to students within the state.
There are at least 26 different federal agencies, including the Department of Education, that process over a thousand college grants programs each year. There are a number of different education grant programs that students can apply for. The most well-known education grant is the Pell Grant. Pell Grants are open for all students to apply for grants for college. Other grants provided in addition to the Pell Grant, by the federal government are:
- The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grand (FSEOG) ~ FSEOG grants are federal grants for low-income students to continue their education in graduate school.
- The National Science & Math Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) ~ SMART grants are typically granted to upper classmen with majors in selected mathematics, sciences, technology, or engineering fields.
- The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) ~ ACG grants are given to first and second year students who have excelled in specified rigorous secondary school programs.
There are also a number of programs through private companies and organizations that offer grants as well. Students that apply for grants for college through federal programs may also want to check into the private grants as well. High need fields often recruit students with high achievement scores and an interest in their field grants to complete their education.
Some of the more popular fields of study, that private organizations and corporations have provided generous grants for in the , 
and in the future, may garner you available grant money are:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Nursing / Health Care
- Teaching
- Arts
Institutional grants may also be made available by the college or university you attend. Sometimes these grants may be granted on the basis of merit or academic achievement but often are considered on a need basis alone. So be sure to discuss all of the options with financial advisors.
Where and How do I Apply for Grants for College?
The first and perhaps the best place to start, is online. Take your time and read all about grants, who is offering them and how much money they can provide. Know the requirements for each grant you apply for. Start with the FASFA. All of the grants will require this info.
Download the papers, fill them out and then submit them right online. Make your dream of a college education come true and apply for the grants to help you. You can apply for grants for college right on your computer at Grants.gov.
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