
Students can apply for grants outside of the university, and there are various options available. In the US, the Department of Education offers grants to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness, while in California, the Cal Grant provides financial aid for students pursuing undergraduate degrees or vocational training. UK students can also receive government support through loans and grants, which help with tuition fees and living costs. Additionally, private scholarships and grants from local organizations or businesses are other options for funding education. These opportunities are typically available for students planning to study at a specific regional college or pursue a degree in a particular field.
Characteristics and values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Grants are often region-specific, with different eligibility criteria and application processes depending on the country and state. For example, the Cal Grant is specific to California, whereas grants in the UK are subject to different repayment thresholds in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. |
| Type of Institution | Grants may be available for specific types of institutions, such as community colleges or four-year universities. |
| Student Status | Some grants are tailored for students with specific circumstances or needs, such as students with disabilities, students with dependants, or current high school seniors transitioning to university. |
| Financial Need | Many grants are needs-based and require applicants to meet certain income, asset, and financial aid standards. |
| Academic Performance | Some grants have minimum GPA requirements or require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible. |
| Application Process | Grants may require students to apply through specific applications, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in the US or the CA Dream Act Application in California. |
| Deadlines | Grants often have specific deadlines for applications, which vary depending on the grant and the student's circumstances. |
| Number of Awards | Certain grants have a limited number of awards available each year, making them competitive. |
| Impact on Financial Aid Package | Private scholarships may impact the overall financial aid package a student receives. |
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What You'll Learn

Government grants and loans
The US government does not offer grants for individuals, only for states and organizations. However, you may be able to get a federal loan for education. These loans can help students pay for their education, housing, and other expenses.
In the US, there are a variety of government grants and loans available for students, depending on their state. For example, in California, there are Cal Grant Programs that provide financial aid for students who meet certain income, asset, and other financial aid standards to attend college. There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. Applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and they do not need to be repaid. There is also the Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award, which is for students attending a California Community College.
Additionally, Texas has several grant and loan programs for eligible students attending General Academic Teaching Institutions (GATIs) in the state. The Toward EXcellence, Access, and Success (TEXAS) Grant Program provides funds for students attending GATIs, excluding Lamar State College-Orange and Lamar State College-Port Arthur. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board calculates the final loan amount based on a student's "manageable debt" for their program of study. The Texas B-On-Time loan program was discontinued on August 31, 2020, but eligible institutions will continue to receive redistributed funds. Texas also has the FORWARD Loan Program, which offers low-interest loans for students enrolled in specific programs within high-demand fields, such as energy, nursing, and technology.
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Private scholarships
Sources of Private Scholarships
Workplaces often provide scholarships for staff members' children, so it is worth checking with your parents' employers. If you have a summer or part-time job, ask your employer if they offer scholarships.
If you are interested in a specific career field, research professional groups related to that vocation. Many offer scholarships to students pursuing a career in that line of work. For example, aspiring teachers could look for teacher associations in their area, while future doctors could investigate medical associations offering scholarships.
Application Process
Examples of Private Scholarships
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation awards scholarships of up to $40,000 per year to high-achieving high school students with financial needs. They also offer scholarships to two-year and community college students who want to transfer to a four-year college or university.
The U.S. Department of Education offers resources for exploring grants from a variety of sources, including federal agencies like the Department of Labor and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Pell Grant program provides grants that do not need to be repaid. The California Student Aid Commission also offers the Cal Grant, a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not require repayment and is available to students attending a University of California, California State University, or California Community College, among other qualifying institutions.
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Disability grants
Students with disabilities face financial challenges and additional obstacles in pursuing a college education. In the US, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), passed in 1975 and amended in 2004, has pushed for better access for students with disabilities in colleges and universities. While IDEA has addressed the issue of physical accessibility, funding remains a significant hurdle for many disabled students.
Education grants can provide a solution, and they are available from various sources. Students with disabilities often have an advantage when qualifying for education grants or scholarships. Public and private organisations sponsor grants for disabled students who lack the financial resources to pursue college. Foundations and associations across the US fund grants and scholarships for nearly every form of mental or physical disability.
Some universities are also known for their disability grant programs. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has offered educational services for students with disabilities since 1948 and has one of the best wheelchair sports programs in the country. The University of California, Berkeley, has offered extensive academic opportunities for disabled students since the 1960s, including teaching independent living skills to those with severe disabilities. Wayne State University has a long-standing commitment to wheelchair accessibility and provides financial assistance to students with disabilities to help with tuition and ancillary supplies, such as braille writers and printers.
In addition to grants and scholarships, there are other sources of financial aid for students with disabilities. These include federal grants, private education loans, and state financial aid for those who meet specific income, asset, and financial aid standards.
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Parent and adult dependent grants
In addition to your main student finance, you may be eligible for a Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA) or an Adult Dependants Grant (ADG). These grants are intended to help with course-related costs if you have dependent children. The amount you can receive depends on your household income, including that of your partner and any dependants. You do not usually have to pay back these grants.
In the United States, the California Student Aid Commission provides financial aid to students who meet certain income, asset, and other financial aid standards to attend college. There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and they do not have to be repaid. To be eligible for a Cal Grant, applicants must meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements.
The Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award is for students attending a California Community College (CCC). Applicants must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, plus a verified Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission by September 2. The Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award is for current high school seniors and recent high school graduates. Applicants must submit a high school GPA, FASFA or CADAA to the California Student Aid Commission by April 2.
The Cal Grant is also available for students who plan to transfer directly from a California Community College to a 4-Year University offering a bachelor's degree in the academic year they are applying for the award. The deadline for this award is April 2, and applicants must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and have a minimum GPA of 2.4.
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US Department of Education grants
Students can apply for grants outside of their chosen university, and there are several grants available from the US Department of Education (ED). The ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
The ED offers a range of discretionary and formula grants, with varying eligibility criteria and application processes. One example is the Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality (AITQ) Programs, which provide financial assistance to a broad range of educational institutions and organisations. The funding supports activities such as recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers, strengthening the quality of elementary and secondary education, and improving literacy skills for children and students from birth through 12th grade.
Additionally, the ED offers grants for specific regions or states, such as the California-specific Cal Grant. This grant is available to students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training and does not need to be repaid. To be eligible, students must meet certain income, asset, and financial aid standards, in addition to maintaining a minimum GPA. Applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and submit their application by the deadline.
To find out more about the grants available from the US Department of Education, students can visit the Grants.gov website, which provides information on upcoming grant opportunities, application processes, and eligibility requirements. It is important to note that grant availability and requirements may change over time, so students should refer to the official websites for the most up-to-date information.
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Frequently asked questions
The answer to this question depends on where you live and study. For example, in the US, the Department of Education administers grant funding programs. In California, students can apply for the Cal Grant, which is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Meanwhile, in the UK, students can get government support through loans and grants.
Eligibility for grants depends on various factors, including your financial situation, academic performance, and the type of college or university you plan to attend. For instance, to be eligible for the Cal Grant, applicants must meet specific income, asset, and financial aid standards, in addition to maintaining a minimum GPA.
The application process for grants can vary. In California, students applying for the Cal Grant must submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the specified deadline. For private scholarships, there is usually a separate application process, and you may need to check with your high school guidance counsellor for details.











































