If you are a students that is planning on attending college and are extremely overwhelmed with the idea of how to pay for it you need to research educational grants. The federal and state governments know how expensive college is and can assist with grant award programs for those students who qualify for any of their educational grant programs they offer. It is also wise to research colleges you want to attend to see what type of grants or scholarships they may offer students attending their school.
A variety of private foundations offer educational grants for various college bound students, especially to those that have shown excellent grades or a great deal of time spent volunteering to help their communities Keep in mind the bonus with educational grants is they do not have to be repaid lowering the amount of student debt. The following are grant awards from the federal government for education and are based on the student’s financial position and capability to pay for college:
The Pell Grant – the major source of need based gift aid given out by the federal government with over 33% of students receiving this grant award.
TEACH Grant – the student must teach for four years at an elementary/secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families after graduation.
FSEOG -Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant – this is a supplement program to the Pell Grant for the neediest students through colleges that participate.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant– available to students who do not qualify for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service after September 11, 2001, in Iraq or Afghanistan.
In order for a student to find out if they qualify for any of the federal tuition grants they must fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) first and once submitted the government will inform them if they meet the requirements for a federal tuition grant.
Every state has educational grant programs for students based on financial need and there are some for merit or athletic record. Those students that receive the Pell Grant from the can apply to their states need based grants in addition to the federal Pell Grant . Remember that each state offers different programs so do the research.