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Grants
The U.S. government is the largest source of financial aid for colleges, supplying approximately 70 percent of all student-aid dollars. To qualify for federal financial aid for college, families must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For more information on the programs outlined below, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243, or visit their website at http://www.ed.gov/studentaid.
Pell Grants
The Pell Grant program provides grants to low-income undergraduates to help them pay for college. The maximum award for Pell grants for 2003-2004 is $4,050. The size of the grant depends on the estimated amount you or your family are expected to contribute, the cost of attendance, whether you are a full-time or part-time student and whether you'll be in school for a full academic year. There are no minimum grade point average or other academic requirements, as long as the student is attending an eligible school. Funds are paid to the school, which can credit your account, pay you directly, or a combination of the two. Pell grants also are available to qualified students enrolled less than half time.
To Qualify:
– Students must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
– Students must be U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens.
– You must have a high school diploma or GED or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program offered.
– Incarcerated students are ineligible.
– Students who owe a refund on a Title IV grant or are in default on a Title IV loan are ineligible.
– Eligible males receive funds only after they have registered with the Selective Service.
Application:
As soon after January 1 of each school year, complete an application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete a paper FAFSA via your school's financial aid office, or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete an online version. The U.S. Department of Education calculates financial eligibility. The agency to which the FAFSA form was submitted receives the results and notifies you of your level of eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Schools distribute the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) to students based on financial need. Part-time and full-time undergraduate students are eligible for this federal program.
The FSEOG program provides grants to low-income undergraduate students with exceptional financial need to supplement aid received from Pell grants and other sources. Federal funds provide for 75% of the award; the college or university contributes the remaining 25% or more. You can receive between $100 to $4,000 a year, depending on when you apply, your level of need and your school's financial-aid policies. The school will credit your account, pay you directly, or both.
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP), formerly known as State Student Incentive Grants (SSIG), is funded by individual states and the federal government. College financial aid advisors and high school counselors notify students if they qualify.
Other Grant Programs
National Endowment for the Humanities - An independent grant-making agency of the U.S. government dedicated to supporting research, education, and public programs in the humanities.
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) - Resource for financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for international students wishing to study abroad.
