As college is looming (even though summer has just begun), you’re probably starting to think about how you’re going to pay for it. Well, the best option is a free education, right? That’s not always possible these days, especially since colleges are very rarely giving “free rides”. That was a thing of the past, so expect to do a little more work to find some financial aid.
Back to the original point, the best education is a free one. But how does that happen? Well, the vast majority of us will not obtain an undergraduate degree for free, but many of us will sure try to squeeze as much money out of the government as possible.
This article outlines how to do that by giving you information on four different kinds of grants (money that does not need to be repaid). Here they are:
Federal Pell Grant
A Pell Grant can take care of a good chunk of your tuition and fees if you qualify. According to the Department of Education,
“The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions.”
The best course of action for this aid is to fill out your FAFSA as early as possible, because this type of financial aid goes quickly; normally on a first come first serve basis.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A FAFSA must be completed to be eligible for the FSEOG as well. Furthermore, this grant is for those who demonstrate the most financial need. According to the Dept. of Ed.,
“The FSEOG Program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the costs of postsecondary education. Students can receive these grants at any one of approximately 3,800 participating postsecondary institutions. When making FSEOG awards, the institution must give priority to those students with “exceptional need” (those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions, or EFCs, at the institution) and those who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients.”
State Grant
State grants are another form of aid that may focus on specific fields of study. They are available through your state’s website, or you can try Grants.gov for more information on locating grants.
Institutional Grants
Insitutional grants are those typically coming from the university itself. Schools may offer these types of grants to students who demonstrate academic and/or athletic excellence. Institutional grants are not given as frequently as they used to be, and you can not ask for them. They must be offered to you by the school.
Good luck in your search for financial aid! It’s out there, you just have to put in some work to find it!
