What Are Grants?
A grant is a type of financial aid that is generally not repaid and whose source could be through federal, state, or university funds.
Grants are usually need-based programs and typically awarded to students with financial need. Information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
Eligibility
To be considered for limited-fund, need-based grants, you must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. File by April 15th to be considered for limited-fund programs.
Be an undergraduate student who has never earned a bachelor’s degree.
Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student. Financial aid is generally not available for nondegree-seeking students or for continuing education coursework.
Amounts
Although award amounts may differ from year to year for each grant program, the total amount of grant aid awarded rarely covers a student’s total cost of attendance. A student’s estimated cost of attendance includes estimated expenses for tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses for the academic year. Many students consider self-help assistance, such as Federal Work-Study or student loans.
