College can be expensive; you could pay hundreds of thousands to earn a degree throughout a four-year program. However, gift aid, such as grants, can be valuable tools that offset some of your expenses.
According to The College Board, undergraduate students received an average of $10,680 in grants per student in 2023. And unlike student loans, grants don’t have to be repaid.
Learn how to get grants for college by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and searching for opportunities on your own.
Comparing College Grants and Scholarships
Scholarships and grants are two forms of gift aid that don’t have to be repaid.
Grant programs typically award grants to students based on their financial need rather than their academics or achievements. By contrast, scholarships are usually issued based on merit.
It’s possible to qualify for both grants and scholarships to reduce how much you have to pay out of your own pocket or how much you need to borrow for school. You can significantly reduce your expenses by applying for and combining multiple grants and scholarships.
Types of Grants for College
There are a variety of grants for college students, including federal and state opportunities. Below are a few examples of the grants available:
Pell Grants
The Pell Grant program is a form of federal financial aid; it provides undergraduate students who have significant financial needs with a grant based on the cost of attendance, enrollment status and the student aid index. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs to prepare them to teach in high-need fields at elementary or secondary schools can take advantage of the TEACH Grant program. The TEACH Grant program has a service commitment requirement; you must teach full-time for at least four years at a qualifying school or convert the grant into a student loan. The maximum award amount is $4,000.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Students with exceptional financial needs working toward a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for the FSEOG program. To qualify, the student must attend a participating school, and priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. You can get between $100 and $4,000 per year through this program.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are awarded to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. military and died as a result of their service in Iraq or in Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. To qualify, students must be ineligible for Pell Grants and be younger than 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time at a college or career school at the time of their parent’s death.
Eligible students can receive up to $7,395 in grants.
State Grants
Many states have their financial aid programs and may award substantial grants to college students. For example:
- California: California residents may be eligible for the Cal Grant program. The award amount varies by school, but you could receive up to $14,218 to pay for tuition and fees.
- New Jersey: Under the Garden State Guarantee program, New Jersey residents who attend a public school within the state can qualify for a grant that covers up to the full cost of tuition and fees during their third and fourth years of school.
- Tennessee: With the Tennessee Student Assistance Award grant, undergraduate students with financial needs can receive up to $4,000 per year to pay for college or career school.
Most states have at least one grant program available. Application processes vary by state and program, but you typically must fill out the FAFSA or a state-specific application to apply for state grants.
You can find out what financial aid opportunities are offered in your state by visiting your state education agency’s website.
Steps to Apply for College Grants
To apply for college grants and qualify for the maximum amount of financial aid you’re entitled to, follow these steps:
- Complete the FAFSA: Filling out the FAFSA is the first crucial step. Some awards are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the funds are exhausted, the issuing organization can’t give out any more grants. As a result, you have the best chance of qualifying for grants by applying as soon as possible.
- Fill out state-based applications: Some states have their own applications, so review your state’s requirements.
- Contact your financial aid office: Contact your college’s financial aid office to find out what aid is available and what you need to do to apply.
Although grants don’t need to be repaid, some grant programs have requirements for ongoing funding. For example, you may have to meet the college’s satisfactory academic progress standards to be eligible for additional funding. Otherwise, you may lose your eligibility for the award.
Grants are just one form of financial aid you can use to pay for school. Other sources of financial aid — including scholarships, work-study programs and student loans — can make the cost of college more affordable.
