Grants for college are a type of financial aid awarded to students based on their financial need. If you're awarded a grant and meet all of its requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA and completing your educational program, you won't have to pay it back. Conversely, if you fail to meet these requirements, the grant will essentially turn into a loan that you must repay. Let's explore grants that are available to you as a college student!
What Are State Grants For College?
Your state may be a valuable resource for college funding. State grants for college are a type of financial aid. You don’t usually need to pay it back.
Most state grants apply to in-state schools. But some may enable you to use financial aid from your home state to pay out-of-state tuition.
Like the federal government, many states offer grant programs to help students pay for college. These state-funded grants are typically need-based, meaning they are awarded to students based on their financial need. Some states also have merit-based grant programs, which award grants to students based on their academic achievement.
5 Types Of State Grants For College
There are several different types of state grants for college students. Depending on the program, state grants may be used to cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, or other education-related expenses.
Tuition Assistance Grants
Tuition assistance grants are often awarded to students based on their financial need. These need-based grants may be used to cover tuition and fees at participating colleges and universities.
2. Need-Based Grants
Need-based grants are typically awarded to students based on their financial need. These need-based grants may be used to cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, or other education-related expenses.
3. Merit-Based Grants
Merit-based grants are usually awarded to students based on their academic achievement. These merit-based grants may be used to cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, or other education-related expenses.
4. Student Loans
Student loans are a type of state financial aid that often must be repaid with interest. These loans could be used to cover tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, or other education-related expenses.
5. Work-Study
Work-study is a type of state financial aid that often provides students with part-time jobs to help pay for their education. Work-study jobs are typically related to the student’s field of study.
Why Consider A State Grant To Pay For College?
There are many reasons to consider a state grant to help pay for college. State grants for college might be a great way to supplement your federal financial aid. And if you’re attending a school out of state, a state grant may help offset the cost of tuition.
State grants could also be used to cover expenses beyond tuition and fees. Many state grant programs may also cover room and board, books and supplies, or other education-related expenses.
If you’re considering a state grant to help pay for college, be sure to research the different types of grants available. And be sure to apply for the grant program that best suits your needs.
For more information on state grants for college, contact your state’s higher education agency.
What States Have Tuition Reciprocity?
Tuition reciprocity agreements allow students to pay in-state tuition rates at participating colleges and universities. These agreements typically apply to schools in bordering states.
Here are a few examples of tuition reciprocity agreements:
The Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP) is a tuition reciprocity program for residents of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The New England Regional Student Program (RSP) is a tuition reciprocity program for residents of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market (ACM) is a tuition reciprocity program for residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
How To Qualify For A State Financial Aid For College?
To qualify for a state grant, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
In addition to the FAFSA, some states may require you to complete the CSS Profile or the State Financial Aid Form. These forms are used to collect additional information about your family’s finances.
Each state may have different criteria for handing out grants for college. Some typical qualifications may be that you must attend an approved post secondary school as a full time student and good academic performance. Here are nine examples of eligibility rules for state college grants:
Attend a post secondary school approved by your state education board
Are enrolled at least half-time (E.g. at least 6 semester credits but less than 12 semester credits per semester, or the equal)
Are enrolled at least half-time (E.g. at least 6 semester credits but less than 12 semester credits per semester, or the equal)
If enrolled in an out-of-state or online college, at least 50% of your courses are in the classroom
Meet your state’s criteria for academic standing
Not already have a bachelor’s degree
Are a resident (but not in jail)
Are not in default of a student loan
Have not received the max number of state grants already
How To Apply For State Grants For College?
The process for applying for a state grant varies by state. In most cases, you might need to complete the FAFSA and any required state forms. Once you have completed these forms, you will be notified of your eligibility for state financial aid.
If you’re eligible for a state grant, you may be asked to submit additional documentation, such as transcripts or tax return forms. Once you have submitted all required documentation, your state grant may be processed and the funds will be disbursed to your school.
Some states have a separate application process for their grants. For example, the State of California offers the Cal Grant program, which has its own application process.
It’s important to note that each state has different deadlines for their grant programs. Be sure to check with your state’s financial aid office to find out the deadline for your state grant. And there are things you can do while waiting for your financial aid award letter!
List of State Grants for College
Almost every state education agency has at least one grant available to residents. Many also have a long list of student aid programs. These are some of the top state grants for college to get you started.
EXPERT INSIGHT
Unlike student loans, neither grants or scholarships need to be repaid, however, It is important for students and families to understand the difference between scholarships and grants as they consider how to pay for college. Scholarships are generally merit-based and often not based on need whereas grants are typically based on a student's financial need. Many students who qualify for scholarships often do not apply for them because they think their families may too much money. Conversely, many students who may qualify for need-based grants do not pursue them because they don't believe they will qualify for an academic or athletic scholarship.
-John Hall (BA, MBA, EdD)
What Are Grants For College?
While grants for college are similar to scholarships in the sense that they’re both financial awards that don’t typically need to be repaid, scholarships tend to be merit-based while grants are usually awarded based on financial need.
The money that you receive from college grants can be put toward education-related expenses such as tuition, books, and housing. As such, it’s important for you to be aware of all the grants for college you’re eligible for so you can decrease your college expenses.
Who Can Get Grants For College?
Any student attending college may be eligible for grant money. Grants are typically need-based, so students with the greatest financial need typically receive the largest awards.
As a student, you can apply for federal, state, and institutional grants when you 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.
While college grants are typically awarded to students in financial aid, there are a variety of requirements that students must meet to be eligible for most grants.
Some key requirements you must meet to qualify for federal student grants include:
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a valid Social Security number
Be registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male between the ages of 18 and 25
Sign the FAFSA form certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan
Maintain satisfactory academic progress once in college
Types Of Grants For College Students
Student grants for college are typically based on financial need and are awarded to students in varying degrees depending on their financial standing. However, the distinction between college grants and scholarships can sometimes be contradictory as some grants for college are awarded based on academic merit.
In addition, some grants may only be available to students from certain backgrounds or who are studying specific subjects.
Some of the most popular types of grants for college include:
Federal Grants: Typically, the largest source of college grant aid comes from the U.S. government. Students may receive federal grants by completing the FAFSA form.
State Grants: Students may also be eligible for state-sponsored grants. These programs vary by state, so students should check with their state’s higher education agency to learn more.
Institutional Grants: Many colleges and universities offer institutional grants to help their students pay for school. These grants are often based on financial need, but some may be merit-based or awarded to students in specific majors or programs.
Private Grants: Private organizations such as foundations, corporations and religious groups also offer grant money for college. These grants are often need-based, but some may be awarded based on merit or for students studying specific subjects.
College Grants for Women
Women students are eligible to receive a wide variety of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. These varying forms of financial aid are sometimes specifically geared toward women students and can help students save a significant amount of money on their higher education costs.
College grants for women are financial aid awarded to women students based on a variety of factors. While many college grants for women take financial need into account to determine eligibility, some look at a variety of other factors, such as heritage and parental status, as well.
Some key types of college grants for women include:
Grants for women from minority backgrounds
Grants for women with children
Grants for women studying subjects in which they’re underrepresented
College grants for women can come from many different organizations including government agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations.
While many college grants for women are geared toward women going to college for the first time, there are some grants, such as the PEO Program for Continuing Education Grant, that are even available to women returning to college.
Fellowships
Academic fellowships are broad and can come in many different forms. Typically, all academic fellowships involve funding or financial assistance being awarded to students for their educational pursuits.
While the term fellowship sometimes refers to scholarships awarded to undergraduate students, its most common meaning is financial aid provided to graduate students for their studies. Oftentimes, fellowships are awarded to students on an academic merit basis and involve some form of research-related study.
In some cases, academic fellowships are meant to help students pay for their higher education tuition costs and other education-related expenses. In other cases, fellowships are meant to fund activities or practices related to a student’s field of study.
Academic fellowships are more common in some areas of study than others and are typically more competitive than scholarships and grants. As such, far fewer students receive fellowships during their academic careers than other forms of financial aid.
Grants for Graduate School
Unlike fellowships and scholarships, grants for graduate students are typically awarded based on financial need rather than academic merit. Much like grants for undergraduate students, grants for graduate students typically have requirements that students must meet to keep financial rewards without having to repay them.
This means that, although the cost of graduate school can be high, students with financial needs have access to financial aid that can mitigate these costs.
However, while grants for graduate students do exist, it’s important to note that they’re not as commonplace as grants for undergraduate students. As such, students pursuing advanced degrees typically don’t have as much access to grants for college as their undergraduate counterparts.
Despite this fact, robust grants for graduate students, such as California State University’s SUG Program, do exist. This means that any student thinking about pursuing an advanced degree should explore the college grants available to them to potentially lower their tuition costs.
Minority Grants
General education grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant, are available to all types of students, regardless of background or heritage, who meet certain financial requirements. Minority grants, however, are specialized grants awarded to students who meet specific criteria.
In some cases, minority grants are awarded to students from minority and underserved backgrounds. These types of grants are often geared toward students of specific ethnicities and heritage.
Students from minority backgrounds have access to a wide variety of unique grants from both governmental and private organizations.
Some organizations providing minority grants based on ethnicity include:
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Bureau of Indian Education
The Association of Latino Professionals for America
While many minority grants are geared toward students from specific ethnic backgrounds, others are awarded to students for other reasons. For example, grants tailored specifically to students with disabilities are minority grants based on physical ability rather than heritage.
Minority grants are available to a wide variety of students meeting a broad range of criteria. This means that all students should explore minority grants to see if they’re eligible to save extra money on tuition through these robust forms of financial aid.
State Grants
Like other grants, such as those from the federal government and private organizations, state grants are a ripe resource for college students looking to save money on education-related expenses. Money awarded to students through state grants can be used to cover expenses such as tuition, books, and housing.
These grants can come in different forms and target students based on varying criteria.
Depending on a variety of factors such as your academic history, financial need, area of study, and college location, you may be eligible for a variety of state grants for college.
If you fill out a FAFSA application, you’ll automatically be considered for state grants available to students in the state your college or university is located in. Beyond this, there may be other state-funded grants that you can find through your college’s resources, online state college grant databases, or The Department of Education in your state.
Federal Grants That Pay 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 and are usually targeted toward students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools.
The amount of money you may receive will depend on:
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The cost of attendance at your school
Your enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
Whether you plan to attend school for a full academic year or less
The four main types of federal grants that provide funds for college are:
Federal Pell Grants: These need-based grants are typically the largest source of federal grant money. They are often awarded to eligible undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): FSEOG grants are typically awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need. These grants are often awarded by the school and range from $100 to $4,000 per academic year.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants: These need-based grants are often awarded to students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001.
State Grants That Pay For College
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 is a great resource to find grants that can help you pay for college. Many states offer need based grants in amounts determined by your FAFSA. You may need to maintain a certain GPA, be a resident and/or pursue specific majors to be eligible for these grants.
What Are The Differences Of Grants and Scholarships?
The main difference between a grant and a 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.
In addition to these distinctions, scholarship money doesn’t typically need 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, grants may be your best option. Tap into resources such as Federal Student Aid and scholarship portals like Unigo. Exploring all of the grants for college available to you is an effective way to make higher education more affordable and accessible.
List of Grants for College in 2024
Check out our list of 321,772 Grants for College in 2024 worth $916M.
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!
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!
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.
Written by McKenna Deen
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Edited by Dave Moniz
