Jan 13
17
Scholarships and Grants for College: What You Need to Know
Main Scholarships and Grants for College
Scholarships and grants for college are free money from the government and organizations awarded to eligible students to help them pay for their education. Grants are usually need-based while scholarships are mostly merit-based. They have varying requirements so students need to check which of the scholarships and grants they can apply to.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). This is a grant that is provided by the school using funds from the government. It is need-based so those who most need financial assistance would be awarded. The school also contributes money to the amount given by the government. It gives $1 for every $3 that the government gives. But not all schools participate on this program so students must verify if this is offered on the college that they are attending. Students can get $100 up to $4,000 depending on their needs. Applicants may submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the school will evaluate who will receive the grants.
- Federal Pell Grants. This is also a need-based program that is open for college students who may need financial assistance for completing their education. The amount given to chosen students depend on the current funds that the government has for this program. Those with family income that is below $20,000 are usually the ones being awarded. However, students with family income of up to $50,000 may still send FAFSA. The Department of Education of United States will determine who among the applicants will be given the grant.
- TEACH Grant. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program is for students who are getting a course in education to become future teachers. The student must be willing to teach on high-need subjects in areas that offer low-income. Some of these subjects include special education, foreign language and science. Up to $4,000 per year can be given to chosen students, though this may vary depending on the funds. FAFSA must be submitted to be considered in this program.
- SMART Grant. The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is one of the scholarships and grants for college that is offered to Pell Grant awardees that need further financial assistance. Up to $4,000 per year can be given, on top of the Pell Grant if chosen for this program. This is for incoming third and fourth year students who major on specific fields including science and math. Furthermore, the student must have at least 3.0 GPA to be considered.
- Academic Competitiveness. All students eligible for Pell Grants may also apply for this program for a chance to receive up to $750 for first years and up to $1,300 for second years. Moreover, students must have finished a rigorous secondary school program of study. The list of these programs is given by the Secretary of Education each year, so students must check them to determine if they qualify. They must also have at least 3.0 GPA.
Other Scholarships and Grants for College
Most scholarships are based on merits, though some grants are also the same. There are various kinds of scholarships offered to students that excel in academics, sports or other fields. The requirements for these scholarship programs vary. Students must check with their high school guidance counselors concerning the scholarship programs that they can get for college. Furthermore, they may check on colleges and universities that they wish to attend to on the scholarships being offered.
Students must not pass the chance of getting these scholarships and grants for college if they are eligible as they can help a lot on financing for their college education.