School Grants

With the high price tag of college tuition nowadays, few can actually foot the total bill of tuition each semester. For the majority of students, it’s grants, school loans and scholarships that allow college goers the opportunity to attend the university of their choice. Grants are different than both student loans and scholarships however, in that they are free gift money given to students. Student loans need to be paid back, many at high interest rates, while most scholarships require academic or athletic success.

There is often some confusion surrounding grants, which is why many college students fail to apply for grant money before heading off to college. Many students assume that school grants are for those who are disadvantaged and not for the average working-class families. However, grants are available to all types of students, despite their financial situation. In fact, college students can be awarded grant money based on such factors as their race, religious affiliation, athletic or academic ability, major, or social activity involvement.

One of the greatest advantages to grant money is that there is no limit for what students can apply for. During the junior and senior years of high school, students should begin searching out possibilities for grant money. For convenience, applying for grants can be done online and from the comfort of your own home. The best place to start is by researching educational websites that offer search features to navigate through various grant programs.

When obtaining grants, there are four main categories to search through making the process easier; student-specific, subject-specific, degree level, and minority. Student-specific grants are those that are designed for certain types of students, such as needy or Hispanic women. Subject-specific grants are those that are available for students studying specific areas, while degree level grants are ideal for those who have achieved certain levels in their college career. Finally, minority grants reach out to those who are in the minority group.

When searching for grants in these four categories, keep in mind that most grants are funded either by federal and state governments, public and private organizations, and colleges and universities. The two most common types of federal grant programs include Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEO), yet there are many more available. Typically, federal grants are geared toward lower-income families, so it’s important to use this as a starting point and to continue looking elsewhere.

In order to see what types of federal grants a student qualifies for, the first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can do this directly online by visiting FAFSA’s official website. Fill out and sign the application electronically and it will be sent to the Department of Education for review. Students can even check their status online, as well as review their opportunities for grant money.

Grants that are offered through public and private organizations can be a bit trickier to find, so students have to know where to look. Students should start by checking with any organizations they are a part of to see if they offer specific grants for their members. Or, visit the websites of large businesses or corporations, especially those that may pertain to the student’s major. Millions of dollars go into these types of grants and businesses intend for academically inclined students to apply.

Finally, in order to obtain grants offered by colleges and universities, students must have their search narrowed down to a few schools. They can then apply for grants through the schools of their choice. As with large businesses and corporations, colleges and universities invest millions into their own grants using funds from donations and alumni. These grants are meant to attract students who are academically inclined and have a desire to attend the school.

Keep in mind that obtaining grant money takes time and does not happen overnight. Students are required to research all the possibilities online, as well as apply for as many grants as they are eligible for. The rewards are far greater than the time that is invested however, as grant money makes it possible for college students to fulfill their goals and attend the university of their dreams. Apply today and take advantage of the grant money that’s available to you.