College Grants For High School Students

Paying for college is one of the biggest challenges facing today’s high school students. Luckily, students in the United States have the opportunity to fill out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which is provided by the Federal Government. Eligible students, as determined by the FAFSA, have the opportunity to take advantage of loans and grants to pay for college. Many students rely on loans to cover the costs of higher education, but grants should not be overlooked by students as they do not require repayment.

The most well-known federal grant is the Pell Grant. The Pell Grant is a need based grant and is dependent upon a number of factors including the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance at the student’s chosen school, the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and whether or not the student is attending college for a full academic year. Evaluation of a student’s eligibility for the Pell Grant is determined through the FAFSA. In 2008, the average Pell Grant awarded was $2,770. For more information on the Pell Grant, visit www.thepellgrant.com.

Another federal grant available to students is the Academic Competitiveness Grant (AC). In order to be eligible for the AC grant, students must also have been determined eligible for the Pell Grant. The AC grant is awarded to undergraduate freshman and sophomore students with excellent academic records. These students must have completed a recognized rigorous secondary school program of study as classified by the Federal Government. For classification information, please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov.

In addition to federal grants, state governments also provide grants to a number of students each year. State governments vary in the types of aid they offer and to whom they offer it. For example, Ohio awards a Student Workforce Development Grant to students pursuing a technical career track over a traditional academic track. Students applying for the Workforce Development Grant in Ohio do not need to prove financial need like many federal grants require. Connecticut, as well as other states, offer grants to students who wish to attend school within the state, whether the school is public or private. Applications for in-state grants, such as those in Connecticut, are usually applied for through the student’s chosen college. In order to be awarded the most money possible, it is best for students to research what grants are available in their state.

Outside of federal and state grants, minority grants are available for students throughout the United States. African-American students have funding opportunities available from private supporters such as the United Negro College Fund, which assists students through grants and scholarships, as well as historically African-American universities like Howard University and Spelman College. Native American students can find available grants through the American Indian College Fund and the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund awards $2000.00 each year to 63 Hispanic-American students. Along with ethnic minorities, female students also qualify for many minority grants, especially when studying subjects that are traditionally under-represented among women.

When it comes to paying for college, the possibilities are endless. Grant opportunities can be found almost anywhere, all it takes is some research on the part of the student.