Student Grants: External Sources And University Independence

Grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be paid back. They are typically awarded based on need, although some are awarded on merit. Grants are usually awarded by federal and state governments, but they can also be awarded by colleges, charities, trusts, and private corporations. Students can apply for grants outside of their university, such as federal and state grants, as well as grants from charities, trusts, and corporations. These grants can provide additional financial support for living costs, studying abroad, travel, equipment, and other specific purposes.

Federal Grants

There are also merit-based federal college grants, awarded to students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement, a commitment to community service, or excellent leadership skills.

Both federal and state governments give out college grants. To find out if you qualify and to become eligible, you need to fill out the FAFSA. This allows colleges to determine how much financial aid you qualify for. Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college by covering educational expenses. Grants, work-study, and federal student loans can all be part of your financial aid package from a school.

Federal Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students. The amount of aid provided depends on a student's financial need, the cost of attendance at their school, and other factors. The Pell Grant application process is the same as any federal financial aid process—you need to complete the FAFSA.

TEACH Grants are federal grants that provide funding to students who agree to teach in a high-need field for four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families. To apply for a TEACH Grant, students must submit the FAFSA annually, complete TEACH Grant counselling, and sign a new Agreement to Serve each year, in addition to meeting other requirements.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are campus-based aid that supplements other forms of aid for the most financially challenged students. Applicants with Expected Family Contributions (EFC) of zero are considered first for FSEOG awards. Once the neediest are served, grants trickle down to worthy recipients until funding is exhausted.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) encourages and rewards low-income first and second-year college students who meet rigorous high-school academic standards. ACG is a hybrid need- and merit-based program, so applicants must be Pell Grant recipients, enrolled full-time in two- or four-year programs, and able to maintain 3.0 GPAs. ACGs prioritize students who take harder classes in high school, giving them priority consideration for science and technology tuition grants during college. Academic Competitive Grant maximums stand at $750 for first-year students and $1,300 for second-year students.

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant provides funding for low-income third and fourth-year college students. Eligible students must be Pell Grant recipients, academically talented, and majoring in STEM fields or high-need foreign languages. SMART Grant annual maximums are up to $4000 per qualified student.

State Grants

To apply for state grants, students should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA helps determine the cost of education and the student's ability to pay for college. Some states use the FAFSA and the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) to determine eligibility for state financial aid, while others may require additional documentation and have varying deadlines. It is important to consult with the financial aid office or a counsellor for specific requirements and deadlines.

Certain state grants are specifically targeted towards underrepresented groups, such as ethnic minorities, women, low-income students, students with disabilities, and foster care youth, to increase access to higher education for these populations. Additionally, some states offer grants for students pursuing high-need fields of study, like nursing, teaching, and STEM subjects, in exchange for service obligations within the state after graduation.

College Grants

In the US, both federal and state governments give out college grants. The first step to finding out if you qualify for a grant and becoming eligible is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application allows colleges to determine how much financial aid you qualify for. The FAFSA should be submitted before the deadline, as some grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. After submitting the FAFSA, you will receive financial aid offers from colleges that accepted you, which may include grant eligibility.

There are various types of college grants, including federal and state grants, as well as grants from charities and trusts. Federal Pell Grants, for example, are awarded to undergraduate students based on financial need, while TEACH Grants are for students who agree to teach in a high-need field for four years. State-specific grants, such as the Cal Grant in California, are also available and have their own eligibility requirements. Additionally, there are grants for specific groups, such as students with disabilities or international students.

It is important to note that college grants may have different requirements and application processes, so it is essential to research and understand the specific criteria for each grant. Some grants may require certain household income levels, specific subjects of study, or other eligibility criteria. Grants may also vary in the amount they offer and what expenses they cover, such as tuition, fees, room and board, or other living costs.

In addition to grants, scholarships are another form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid. Scholarships can be need-based or merit-based, awarded based on financial need or various abilities, hobbies, ethnicity, or religion. Students should explore both grant and scholarship opportunities to maximize their financial aid options for college.

Grants for international students

The Fulbright Program is an international educational exchange program sponsored by the US government. It is available in more than 160 countries, and about 4,000 international students are selected to participate every year. The Fulbright Program provides funding that often covers tuition, room and board, and transportation fees. The Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program (FLTA) is a grant for foreign citizens to teach their language and culture at a US university. The grant lasts for one school year and cannot be renewed.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsors international fellowships for women interested in studying in the US. The amount awarded depends on the type of degree: $20,000 for a master's or first post-graduate degree, $25,000 for a doctoral degree, and $50,000 for a post-doctoral degree.

The Aga Khan Foundation provides funding for students from developing countries. Half of the money is given as a grant, and half as a loan. Only students with financial need will be eligible.

The Margaret McNamara Education Grant is for women from developing countries who intend to study in the US or Canada. The foundation gives out six to ten awards, each worth about $12,000.

Some US colleges and universities offer grants for international students, including Ohio State University, Miami University, the University of Missouri, the University of Cincinnati, Columbia College in Missouri, and Lewis and Clark University in Portland.

Grants for minority students

Grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be paid back, unlike student loans. They are usually need-based, awarded based on a family's economic situation, but they can also be merit-based, rewarding applicants for their individual achievements.

Minority grants are available to students from ethnic minority backgrounds, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. These grants strive to address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented student populations. Here are some examples of grants for minority students:

Federal Grants:

• Pell Grant: This federal grant program provides need-based funding for undergraduate college students, with maximum grant awards of around $5,500 per student per academic year.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): These grants are reserved for the neediest federal financial aid applicants and are used to supplement Pell Grants and other student aid.
• Academic Competitiveness Grant: This grant program targets math, science, engineering, and technology-based education sectors, awarding funds to first and second-year students enrolled at least half-time.
• National SMART Grant: SMART grants are offered during a student's third and fourth years, as counterparts to Academic Competitiveness Grants.

State Grants:

• Iowa Minority Academic Grants for Economic Success (IMAGES): This need-based grant is for Iowa resident minorities pursuing their first undergraduate degrees.
• Indian Student Assistance Grants: Need-based grants for Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American and are enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin Technical College, or other approved institutions.
• Minority Undergraduate Retention Grants: These grants assist minority students enrolled at least half-time in Wisconsin Technical Colleges, with maximum grants of $2,500 annually for up to eight qualifying semesters.
• Connecticut Office of Higher Education Minority Teacher Incentive Grant Program: Offers up to $5,000 per year to minority juniors and seniors pursuing teaching degrees, with nominees selected by their school's Education Dean.

Minority Foundations:

• United Negro College Fund: Provides scholarships and other aid programs for African American students, with a focus on supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
• Hispanic College Fund
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• American Indian College Fund
• Ciri Foundation: Provides educational grants for Cook Inlet natives and descendants of Alaska Natives, supporting vocational development and cultural heritage advancement.
• National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
• Blackfeet Nation: Offers college grants for Native Americans, including the Montana Community Foundation Grant for juniors and seniors enrolled in four-year colleges.
• Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund: Has been providing grants and scholarships to Asian American students since 2003.

Vocational Groups and Corporate Entities:

• American Geosciences Institute: Sponsors small cash awards and mentorships through their Minority Participation Program.
• American Bar Association: Offers a list of aid for aspiring minority lawyers.
• East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church: Provides minority grants to pre-seminary students through its Board of Ordained Ministry Ethnic Minority Grant Program, for students on educational tracks to become ordained Methodist ministers.
• Asian American Journalist Association: Funds grants and scholarships for Asian students in the fields of broadcast and print journalism, as well as internships.

In addition to these minority-specific grants, students can also apply for general financial aid, such as scholarships and loans, to help fund their college education. It is recommended to start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for various need-based grants and scholarships.

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