College Grant Information

A grant is an award offered from a federal agency to help you pay for your tuition, and the best thing about them is that they don't need to be paid back. Nobody wants to turn down free money that pays for their tuition and books!

Which Types of College Grants Exist?

There are two types of grants:

* Direct - These are grants in which you directly apply to the federal government

* Pass-Through - These are grants in which the state applies to the federal government, the government receives the grant, and then it is passed back to the state

Who Offers these College Grants?

Over 1,000 grant programs are offered by 26 federal agencies such as the Department of Education.

What is the Most Popular Student Grant?

Pell Grants are the most widely distributed and popular grants. They are awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program, but they are occasionally granted to students enrolled in a graduate teacher certification program.

In addition to the Pell Grant there are three other major federal college grant options:

* The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - Federal grants offered to freshmen and sophomore undergraduate students.

* The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - Federal grants awarded to low-income undergraduate students to help them continue on to graduate school.

* The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) - Federal grants offered to juniors and seniors majoring in physical, life or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or in a foreign language deemed critically important to national security.

These federal college grants are offered by the U.S. Department of Education and have various award amounts and eligibility requirements.

What determines how much I will get with my Pell Grant?

The amount you receive from your Pell Grant is determined by:

* Your enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
* Whether you attend the school for a full term
* Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
* The cost of your college attendance

How will I get paid from the Grant?

You will get paid in one of three ways:

* You will be paid directly by check
* It will be credited to your school account
* The above two methods will be combined

Where can I get a College Grant?

The best place to get a grant is to apply for one online. You will need to download the application, complete it, and submit it back online.

College grants are out there waiting for you to find them. So take the time to look for yours.