Free Grants for College Students: Some students drop out of college because they are unable to pay their tuition. Learn about federal and state-sponsored college grants, including what they are, how they are awarded, and how they differ from college scholarships, and avoid dropping out.
Free Grants for College Students
What is a Grant for College?
College grants are a type of financial aid that you don’t need to pay back.
Grants for college students may help pay for tuition, books, housing, and other school expenses.
Like a scholarship, grants for college are free money that you can use to fund your education. “Grants for College”
Unlike student loans which you have to reimburse, you only pay back a grant under a few conditions.
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For instance, if you withdraw early from a program or change your enrollment status.
Grants are usually awarded based on student financial needs. Popular grants that college students apply for are available through:
Federal government
State/local governments
Colleges, universities, career schools
Who Can Get Grants for College?
The number of students attending 4-year colleges and receiving aid is on the rise. At last count, the federal government awarded $30 billion dollars in need-based grants.
Recent figures show that 63.3% of college undergraduates receive grants. The average amount of grant money received by a college student is $7,400.
Eligibilities Required for College Grant
Eligibility to receive a grant for college varies. But to qualify for federal student aid one needs to meet a few basic requirements below:
1. Show financial need
2. Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
3. Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
4. Be registered with Selective Service
5. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
6. Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school
7. Sign the FAFSA, committing to the terms
Show you are qualified to obtain a college or career school education (E.g., show your GED or high school diploma)
How to Apply for College Grants
When looking for federal grants to pay for college, there are some steps to take on how to get grants for college:
Fill out the FAFSA
Both federal and state governments give out college grants. To find out if you qualify and to become eligible, you need to fill out a standard form.
This form is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The results allow colleges to figure out how much financial aid they qualify for.
When filling it out, you’ll need your family’s tax returns, so plan ahead.
Submit the FAFSA on Time
One needs to file the FAFSA on or ahead of the June 30 deadline. But many states and colleges have earlier deadlines for financial aid.
You can find your state’s deadline on the Federal Student Aid website. Check with your college to take note of theirs too.
To remain eligible, every year you attend school, you’ll need to fill out a FAFSA, so mark your calendar.
Wait for your Financial Aid Letter
After you fill out your FAFSA and submit it on time, you wait for a financial aid award letter. These come from the colleges that accepted you.
This award letter will tell you if you are eligible for any college grants or other financial aid. Like scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.
You may accept all the aid offered to you but do not have to. In fact, it is a good idea to understand what the terms are so there are no surprises.
Types Of Grants for College Students
Grants for college can be need-based or merit-based. “Grants for College”
Need-Based Grants
Many grants for college are need-based. Need-based grants are awarded based on your family’s economic situation.
To figure out your financial need, most schools consider your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Your EFC is a number used by your school to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.
Merit-Based Grants
There are merit-based college grants, too. Merit-based grants are awarded to students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, a commitment to community service, or excellent leadership skills.
To find merit-based grants for college, start by doing an online search for college grants in your home state.
Under this, we have the federal and state grants for college students; the explanation below will give you an insight into which to choose:
Federal Grants for College
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers a range of federal grants. These need-based grant programs provide free college money.
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:
1. Your financial need (EFC)
2. Cost of attending the college of your choice
4. Enrollment status (full or part-time)
5. Length of Enrollment (full or partial year)
The EFC is your Expected Family Contribution. In other words, what you can afford to pay for college. State grants may boost your college fund too.
This can help if your EFC is low, and your federal financial aid doesn’t cover your tuition.
To come to a number, an EFC asks for several things. Your family’s taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits.
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Benefits include unemployment or Social Security. It might also factor in the size of your family and if more than one person will be attending college in the same year.
The four main types of federal grants that provide funds for college are:
Federal Pell Grant: A grant usually awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a degree
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): A grant some schools take part in that assists low-income undergraduate students
Teach Grant: A grant that helps pay for college if you plan to become a teacher in a high need or low-income area
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants: A grant for children of a parent/guardian who died in service in Iraq or Afghanistan
State Grants for College
The Department of Education in your state may help you find grants to help you pay for college.
Most states offer need-based college grants in amounts determined by your FAFSA. You may need to maintain a GPA, be a resident, and/or pursue specific majors.
Grants for College Students
Grants are the money a student can use for college that you do not need to earn or repay.
Grants are usually awarded based on student financial needs. Below are lists of grants for college you can apply for as a student:
1. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Awarded By: U.S. Department of Education
An FSEOG Grant is a type of need-based federal aid but works differently from the Pell Grant.
FSEOG funds issued from the government go to schools that take part in the program. “Grants for College”
No more FSEOG awards can be made for a year once the school uses all the funds. “Grants for College”
Application Requirements
‣ FAFSA by 06/30/2020
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) provides grants to the “students with exceptional need” criteria for federal aid and be eligible to receive the Pell Grant.
This depends on whether the school has the funds. But you need to apply by filling out a FAFSA each year.
Award Amount: Applicants may receive up to $4,000 per year. The amount you get depends on a few things.
Your financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and the availability of funds at your school. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $4,000.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30
For More Information Click here
2. Porter Physiology Development Fellowship
Awarded By: American Physiological Society
The number of Awards & Eligibility: One or two new awards are funded annually for a total of four to six active fellowships.
In order to qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
This award is available for minority graduate students who are working toward a Ph. D. in physiology.
Application Requirements
‣ Recommendation letter
‣ Application form
‣ Official Transcript
‣ Research Proposal
‣ Biographical Sketch
The goal of the Porter Physiology Development Program is to encourage diversity among students;
pursuing full-time studies toward a Ph.D. (or D.Sc.) in the physiological sciences and encouraging their participation in the American Physiological Society.
Award Amount: $28,300 annually, renewable for up to two additional years. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $84,900.
Application Deadline: January 15
For More Information Click here
3. The Louisville Institute Dissertation Fellowship
Awarded: $250,000
Awarded By: The Louisville Institute
The number of Awards & Eligibility: Ten grants offered.
This fellowship program is open to Ph.D. and Th.D. students in the United States or Canada who are in their final year of dissertation writing.
The program is designed to support students engaged in research pertaining to North American Christianity.
Especially projects with the potential to strengthen the religious life of North American Christians and their institutions.
These include seminaries, while simultaneously advancing American religious and theological scholarship.
Application Requirements
‣ Recommendation letter
‣ Official Transcript
‣ CV/Resume
‣ Dissertation prospectus
‣ Bibliography
The Louisville Institute also has an interest in strengthening the quality of theological school teaching.
Applicants may not submit applications to more than one Louisville Institute grant or fellowship program within the same grant year (June 1-May 31).
Doctoral Fellows are encouraged to apply for the Dissertation Fellowship program. “Grants for College”
It is also open to outstanding students who may not intend to teach in theological education.
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But whose dissertation projects have the potential to strengthen the religious life of North American Christians and their institutions.
Award Amount: Dissertation Fellowships will provide a stipend of $25,000 for 12 months beginning in September.
Fellowships are not renewable. All tuition, medical insurance, and required fees are the responsibility of the student.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023.
For More Information Click here
4. Moelis Urban Law & Public Affairs Fellowship Program
Awarded By: New York University Survey of American Law
The Moelis Urban Law & Public Affairs Fellowship Program is available for first-year law students at the New York University (NYU) School of Law.
Application Requirements
‣ Essay
‣ Interview
‣ Resume
The Moelis Urban Law & Public Affairs Fellowship Program is available for first-year law students at the New York University (NYU) School of Law.
Students participating in the fellowship will have unique access to non-profit organizations.
Also, government agencies and private businesses work together to advance urban development within the city of New York.
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Award Amount: Each selected fellow will receive funding for their:
1. 1L summer internship
2. Additional funding for work as a Research Assistant at the NYU Furman Center
3. Funding for their term-time internship at a non-profit, government, or business organization.
The total financial value of the internship is approximately $13,500. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $13,500.
Application Deadline: Monday, November 4
5. NASA/Montana Space Grant Consortium Fellowship
Awarded By: Montana Space Grant Consortium
This award is available for U.S. graduate students who attend one of the following Montana Consortium campuses: Blackfeet Community College, Carroll College, and Chief Dull Knife College.
Also includes Fort Belknap College, Fort Peck Community College, Little Big Horn College, MSU-Billings, MSU-Bozeman, MSU-Northern, and Montana Tech.
The list of the colleges still continues; Rocky Mountain College, Salish Kootenai College, Stone Child College, the University of Great Falls, the University of Montana, and the University of Montana-Western.
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Students must be enrolled in a field of study relevant to NASA’s mission. “Grants for College”
These fields include (but are not necessarily limited to): the biological and life sciences, chemistry, geological and planetary sciences.
Also includes physics and astronomy, mathematics, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, and the computer sciences.
Application Requirements
‣ Application form
‣ Official Transcript
‣ Personal statement
‣ Recommendation letter
The Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) awards scholarships on a competitive basis to students enrolled in fields of study related to NASA’s mission.
Award Amount: $9,000 annually, plus in-state tuition of approximately $7,200. This award is not automatically renewable.
Recipients may be able to renew their awards but that will be determined by the committee on a competitive basis.
All award recipients must agree to provide MSGC with information about their studies and/or employment on request beyond the period of the award.
(This is part of a NASA requirement to track the long-range effectiveness of the fellowship program.) The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $16,200.
Application Deadline: Monday, April 1
For More Information Click here
6. Fund for Education Abroad
Amount Awarded: $20,000
Awarded By: StudyAbroad.com
Up to $10,000 is offered for students who plan to study abroad for a full academic year.
$5,000 for students who plan to study abroad during the fall or spring semester;
and awards that are prorated by a number of weeks in-country for studying abroad in summer at $1,250.
Application Requirements
The requirement for this grant is that you must be;
‣ U.S. citizen or permanent resident
‣ Currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. (graduate students are not eligible)
‣ Study abroad program must be eligible for credit at the student’s home institution
‣ Study abroad program must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in country/countries
FEA gives preference to students with demonstrated financial need and strongly encourages students to apply who represent a group that is traditionally underrepresented in education abroad.
These groups include but are not limited to First-generation college students Minority students Community college students
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What you will need to do;
1. Complete the application form online
2. Print the Financial Aid Form and bring it to your university’s financial aid office. Someone from that office should complete the form and give it back to you for your to upload to your online application.
3. Upload your unofficial transcript to your online application.
4. Submit the name and email of your recommender. After your recommender submits your letter of recommendation, you must go back into the application to click submit.
5. Make sure ALL application materials are uploaded and submitted before the deadline to be considered for an FEA scholarship.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 20
Click here for more information
College Grants for Women
College grants for women aim to help females meet their educational and career goals. “Grants for College:
If you’re a woman who has put your studies on hold, securing a grant may help you pay for college.
Awards: 82
Total: $518K
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.
For More Information Click here
7. AAUW Career Development Grant
Awarded By: American Association of University Women Educational Foundation
This award is available for women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce.
Special consideration is given to AAUW members, women of color, and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields.
Application Requirements
‣ Application form
‣ Site registration and quiz
‣ Supplemental documents
Distance learning programs will be funded only if they are conducted through an accredited institution appearing on the U.S. Department of Education’s list of approved online/distance learning programs.
Funds are not available for doctoral-level work. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Award Amount: $2,000 to $12,000 annually, non-renewable. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $60,000.
Application Deadline: Sunday, November 15
For More Information Click here
8. African-American Entrepreneurs Grant
Awarded By: Mechanism Ventures
This scholarship is part of the Mechanism Ventures Impact Grants Series.
It provides a $1,000 grant to a female Black entrepreneur at any education level who is or wants to launch a new business.
Application Requirements
‣ No application requirements for this scholarship “Grants for College”
Current or aspiring African-American entrepreneurs across any field or business stage will be considered.
Winners will be selected on the merit of their business idea, and on the impact that additional financial support will have on them.
Award Amount: $1,000 award offered. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $1,000.
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 11
For More Information Click here
9. AAUW Research Publication Grant in Engineering, Medicine, and Science
Awarded By: American Association of University Women Educational Foundation
This award is for U.S. women who are preparing research manuscripts for publication. Topics for eligible research grants include engineering, medicine, and science.
Short-Term Research Publication Grants provide help scholars prepare research manuscripts for publication and independents research for publication.
Application Requirements
Application requirements AAUW Research Publication Grant are:
‣ Recommendation letter
‣ Application form
‣ Official Transcript
‣ Resume
‣ Narratives
‣ Budget
This program provides fellowships for women pursuing full-time study to complete dissertations.
Also, conduct postdoctoral research full time, or prepare research for publication for eight consecutive weeks.
Topics eligible for research grants include engineering, medicine, and science.
Preference will be given to applicants whose work supports the vision of AAUW: to break through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.
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Time must be available for eight consecutive weeks of final manuscript preparation. “Grants for College”
While many recipients, especially full-time faculty members, will use the awards during the summer, recipients may use the funds at any time during the fellowship year.
Award Amount: $10,000 to $35,000 annually, non-renewable. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $35,000.
No application deadline for now.
For More Information Click here
10. Women Techmakers Scholars Program
Amount Awarded: $10,000
Awarded By: Google Inc.
The number of Awards & Eligibility: The number of awards offered varies annually.
Google offers the Women Techmakers Scholars Program. It honors gender equality in the field of computer science.
Female undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a record of academic excellence, and are pursuing careers in computer science, computer engineering or a related field are eligible.
Application Requirements
The requirements for the Women Techmakers Scholars Program are:
‣ Essay
‣ Interview
‣ Recommendation letter
‣ Application form
‣ Official Transcript
‣ Resume
Selection will be based on the strength of the applicant’s academic background.
Award Amount: $10,000 annually, non-renewable. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $10,000.
Application Deadline: Sunday, December 5
Grants and Scholarships for College
Grants and college scholarship programs are based on eligibility and qualifications.
Grant providers tend to award money based on financial needs.
So many low and middle-income students may receive one, regardless of their grades.
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Both scholarships and grant money for college are financial aid. “Grants for College”
You may use these funds for college costs like tuition, fees, housing, books, and supplies.
Below are some grants and scholarships for college students for their financial needs:
11. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship
Awarded By: Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation
This award is for U.S. women 17 years of age or older, with minor children that planned to be enrolled in a skills training, ESL, or GED program.
Or pursuing a technical/vocational degree, an associate degree, a first bachelor’s degree, or a professional/master’s/doctoral degree.
Applicants must be of low income. “Grants for College”
Application Requirements
‣ Application form
‣ Official Transcript
‣ Student Aid Report (SAR)
‣ Proof of Admission
‣ Tuition Statement
Award Amount: Up to $5,000 annually, non-renewable. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $4,000.
Application Deadline: Saturday, August 1
12. SWE Central Indiana Section Scholarship
Amount Awarded: $2,000
Awarded By: Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
This award is open to female college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are majoring in engineering or computer science at an Indiana college/university.
Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; students with financial needs are given preference.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the SWE Central Indiana Section Scholarship are:
‣ Application form
‣ Official Transcript
‣ Resume
‣ Recommendation letters (2)
Students with financial needs are given preference. Applicants may not be current recipients of a renewable SWE scholarship.
Or receiving full funding for education from another organization (E.g members of the armed services or attending US military academies and students receiving full reimbursement from an employer.)
The applicant must enroll or plan to enroll in an engineering program accredited by ABET.
Award Amount: $2,000 annually, non-renewable. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $2,000.
Application Deadline: Monday, February 15
13. Newcombe Scholarships for Students
Awarded By: Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation
There are four different scholarships. Newcombe Scholarships for Students with Disabilities?
support completion of degrees by students with disabilities who need financial assistance at selected colleges and universities
During 2015-16, Newcombe Scholarships averaging $1,385 were awarded to 387 recipients at ten institutions.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Newcombe Scholarships for Students are:
‣ Application form
‣ Additional Information: Eligibility guidelines may vary by institution.
Award Amount: Scholarship amounts vary but average $1,385 each. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $1,385.
No application deadline for now.
14. Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarships
Awarded By: Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW)
Central California Pacific Women prepares and empowers Asian and Pacific Island women from the Central Valley to advocate for gender.
And for social justice by supporting and providing leadership and mentoring opportunities in the Central Valley and beyond.
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarships are:
‣ Recommendation letter
‣ FAFSA by
‣ Application form
‣ Personal statement
‣ Official Transcript
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following priorities but not limited to First-generation students, academic achievement, leadership, contribution to the API community, and ethnic diversity.
Applicants must be an entering/continuing undergraduate, entering/continuing graduate, or re-entry student in a post-secondary educational institution (i.e., vocational programs, trade school, college, university, etc.).
Award Amount: Amounts vary. The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $1,000.
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