Grants for Higher Education
By: Kristen Albertson
Have you ever wondered how to pay for college and other higher education? You may be eligible for a grant to fund your education virtually free of cost. Unlike loans, grants are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment. Students who attend college or career school and have the financial need for educational funds may have access to grants from various sources, including both public and private organizations.
Eligibility for Grants
It’s important to find a grant that will work best for you, including any educational stipulations or requirements. To receive a grant, make sure that you do your research, meet the application deadlines, and apply for grants that you are eligible for. Eligibility for most grants, regardless of their source, is limited to students with a specific financial need. The U.S. Department of Education states that a student’s financial need is equivalent to the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a school and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While COA varies from school to school, your EFC does not change based on the school you attend. Some examples of other requirements for grants include type of education, personal background, and military service.
Grant Types
There are several different ways for students to receive grants for higher education, including from both public and private sources. In the United States, federal and state governments, colleges and career schools, private organizations, and even private charities can provide grants to students.
College, community college, and career school students who live in the United States can apply for federal grants through the U.S. Department of Education. The grants offered by the U.S. Department of Education include Federal Pell grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants. You can apply for these grants by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, which must be filled out each year of attendance.
Several states also offer resources for students in higher education. In California, Cal Grants provide financial aid specifically to students who have residency in California. Students attending any of the Universities of California, California State Universities, California Community Colleges, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California, are eligible for Cal Grants. California provides grants to individuals from diverse backgrounds and specifically offers grants to foster youth called the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth and the Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award.
Colleges and other higher education institutions may offer grants directly to their students. For example, California State University offers the State University Grant (SUG) Program. Students who qualify for the SUG Program must attend a school affiliated with California State University and must be California residents or otherwise determined to be eligible for the program. Check with the financial aid office of the university or school you plan to attend to see what grants may be available.
Finally, students in higher education can also receive grants from non-governmental organizations, foundations, and charities. For instance, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports various education initiatives, including scholarships for low-income students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Some private organizations offer grants based on financial need, aiming to support students who may otherwise struggle to afford a college education. Other grants are awarded to students based on academic achievements, talents, or other criteria, irrespective of financial need.
Grants That Require Payment
Students must take care to understand the requirements for their continued eligibility for the grants they have received, as well as the consequences if these requirements are not met. Federal Pell grants may require you to repay the money you received if you withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given to you, your enrollment status changed in a way that reduced your eligibility for your grant, you received outside scholarships or grants that reduced your need for federal student aid, or you received Federal Pell Grant funds for more than one school at a time. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements of the grant you are applying for so that you understand the possible consequences of changes to your eligibility.
Conclusion
Grants are a great way to pave a path to higher education, offering students the chance to pursue their educational dreams without the burden of repayment. Yet, navigating the landscape of these grants requires careful consideration and understanding of the available opportunities, eligibility criteria, and potential consequences. Whether sourced from federal or state governments, educational institutions, or private foundations, grants play a crucial role in making higher education more accessible for all.
References
https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants
