Student Grants

College Tuition Grants

Young adults who are considering furthering their high school education by continuing on to college may not be able to afford the ever increasing costs of college. Families with multiple children going off to college may not be able to afford the multiple tuition costs and expenses.

Financial aid is available for those who are in need and who qualify. There are a variety of options to help the potential college student: grants, student loans, work study programs, and scholarships. These programs may be funded from the federal government, from the state government, from the college university directly, or even from private companies or corporations.

Financial Aid Differences

What is the difference between these types of financial aid? The main difference is whether or not the funds have to be repaid, as explained below. Another difference comes from the source of the funding, along with the requirements to qualify for the different programs.

Grants

These are funds that typically come from a non-profit company, such as the federal government. Grants may be given for a specific project and do not need to be paid back. The recipient will most likely have to provide updates and reports regarding the specified project. Grants are not aimed solely towards the expense of a college education but may span a variety of topics and interests.

Scholarships

Like grants, these funds do not need to be paid back. There are a broad range of scholarships, ranging from athletic scholarships to need based scholarships to academic scholarships. Scholarships are specifically geared towards helping students finance their college education. Typically, requirements are more strict than other forms of financial aid and may vary from scholarship types. For instance, academic scholarships may require a high level of academic excellence, while a need based scholarship focuses more on the financial eligibility of the student and his or her family.

Student Loans

These are funds that are borrowed directly by the student and will have to be paid back at a later date. Typically there is a grace period that allows the student to complete their four year education before starting to pay back the loan. The U.S. Department of Education is one such provider of student loans.

Available Programs

Listed below are just a few programs available for today’s student, specifically those seeking undergraduate studies.

Federal Financial Aid Programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education

Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Federal Perkins Loan programs are just a few programs offered by the federal government. The first three programs are actually administered by the colleges and universities directly and the availability of funds will vary with each individual educational institution.

Federal Pell Grant

The maximum grant amount is $5,550.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Grant amounts vary from $100 to $4,000 a year, depending on the individual student’s financial need.

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

This program offers employment opportunities for students to help contribute to their own education. These jobs are typically part-time and located on the college campus and are limited in number.

Federal Perkins Loan

These low interest loans are made directly through the school to the student. Maximum loan amount is around $5,500 per undergraduate year with a maximum of $27,500 total.

There is typically a nine month grace period after graduation before repayments begin. Repayment may even be delayed if post-graduate studies are pursued.

For additional information on federal programs for financial aid, please visit the student aid website

To apply for any federal grant, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used. This one application automatically applies the student to all the various federal programs.

To submit your application online, please visit: Fafsa.Ed.Gov

Other Federal Grant Programs in a Specific Field of Study

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant) – Grant amounts are offered up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing a teaching degree. However, there are post graduate requirements that need to be met. Recipients agree to teach in a high-need area serving schools with low -income students.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) – Qualifying applicants include first and second year undergraduate students only. Grant amounts range from $750 for the first year to $1,300 for the second year. One requirement is for the applicant to have completed a “rigorous secondary school program of study” as defined by U.S. Department of Education.

This may include such items as advanced or honors programs or Advanced Placement (AP) courses with a a minimum score requirement on the corresponding College Board’s exams.

SMART Grant

The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) – This grant provides a maximum of $4,000 per year for undergraduate students during the third and fourth year of study. One requirement for this aid is a major in the field of science or math, including such areas as technology, engineering and computer science.

Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Due to the current shortage of health care professionals, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of financial aid for those seeking an education in the field of nursing and other health care professions.

There are loan programs, loan repayment programs and scholarships available for those in need. One requirement to qualify for these funds is an agreement to work in an underserved area or facility, after completion of the necessary education. Programs include the HRSA Nursing program and Loan Programs –

Loan Programs – Includes the Health Professions Student Loans, which is a need based loan for those interested in and pursuing a degree in such health profession fields as dentistry or optometry. Pharmacy, podiatry and even veterinary medicine is also included.

Loan Repayment Programs

Includes the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program, where nurses may receive up to 60% of their nursing education loan in exchange for 2 years of service.

Scholarships

With the National Health Services Corps program, recipients may receive funds for up to 4 years in exchange for a specified number of years of service at an approved location, typically one in a high-need area or in an understaffed facility. Funds may be used to cover tuition and may also be used for a living expenses stipend.

For more information on these programs, please visit: Hrsa.Gov.

Montgomery G.I. Bill

The Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) is a government program that requires enlisting in the military service for a specific time period to receive educational benefits after the service is completed.

An individual can enlist in all areas of the military, such as the Army or Navy or Coast Guard. Becoming a reservist or even joining the National Guard may also qualify you for some financial aid. While an active service member, you may have to contribute a portion of your pay to this program.

For more information about this program, please visit: GiBill.Va.Gov

Reserve Office Training Corps (ROTC)

ROTC offers tuition assistance for those interested in training to become an officer in the various military branches like the Navy, Air Force, and Army. These scholarships may cover the full costs of tuition, along with any school related fees and even a textbook and monthly living expenses stipend.

For more information about these programs, please visit: ROTC

State Financial Aid Programs

Each state government may offer their own specific education grants. For example, American Indian students in Wisconsin may qualify for a Wisconsin specific educational grant. The state of Florida offers the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Check with your individual state government for any state specific educational grants or scholarship programs that they may offer.

States may also offer a discounted tuition rate for residents of their state if they attend a state university or college. For example, Cornell University, an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, offers an estimated $15,000 savings in tuition costs and fees for New York residents attending their state portion or “Contract” Colleges within the university.

For more information on financial aid programs by state, please visit: the government’s website.

Other Scholarships are also available from the individual university or from a variety of private companies and corporations. A few are listed below.

Athletic Scholarships

Universities typically recruit athletes who show a high level of skill in a specific sport and may offer an athletic scholarship. This may cover tuition and even including a stipend for living expenses. These vary greatly by universities and one should consult the university directly for more information.

Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Award Program – This program offers a $7,500 scholarship for college from the Milk Processor Education Program

For more information about this program, please visit: BodyByMilk.Com.

World Sport Chicago Scholarship

Qualified applicants located in Chicago, Illinois who have participated in an Olympic or Paralympic sport in the last three years are eligible. These WSC scholars will also be eligible to compete for a limited number of college scholarship supported by the MacArthur Foundation, receiving up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $40,000 total.

For more information about this program, please visit: World Sport Chicago.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation

The National Merit Scholarship Program is a scholarship program administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which is a private non-profit organization. Corporate sponsors work together with NMSC to award thousands of scholarships, which vary in the amount and requirements for each type of scholarship.

Some recipients may be required to be related to an employee of the corporate sponsor. Other recipients may be required to pursue a specific major or career field in order to qualify. College sponsored merit awards are based on attending the specified sponsor college. Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores are used as the initial screening process for this scholarship program.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program is a specific program in which only African American students participate.

For more information about this program, please visit: National Merit’s website.

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers 250 academic scholarships and is achievement-based. The lengthly application process can result in a scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to $5,000 per year for a total of $10,000 to $20,000. However, applicants cannot be children of any employee or anyone associated with the Coca-Cola company and subsidiaries.

For more information about this program, please visit: Coca-Cola’s website.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

The KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program offers a scholarship for applicants up to $5,000 per year, with a potential up to $20,000 over four years. The funds can be used towards tuition, fees, books, and room and board. The ability to demonstrate financial needs is only one requirement for this scholarship.

For more information about this program, please visit: KFC’s website.

Wegmans

A regional supermarket chain started in 1916 in Rochester, New York, Wegmans currently has over 75 stores in the Northeastern part of the United States. The Wegmans Employee Scholarship Program is available for those part-time and full-time employees who qualify. Applicants may receive $1,500-$2,200 per year for 4 years, for a total of $6,000 to $8,800. A minimum number of hours worked is required to continue to be eligible after the first year.

For more information about this program, please visit: Wegman’s website.

As can be seen from all the various programs described above, there are plenty of options for the student in financial need. There are many programs available that may not be listed here, but this provides a start for the college-bound student seeking financial help.

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27 Comments

  • Reply Harry Wouda September 5, 2011 at 12:38 am

    Hi,
    My name is Harry and im enrolled into tulsa welding school in jacksonville florida. I applied for a pell grant and thats still not enough to cover my tuition. I do not want to apply for any loans. Is there anyway i can get some sort of contact form for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. I am ineed for this information because im really looking forward to go to school. Also how will i be able to apply for this grant. Please call @904 245 9213

  • Reply Arthur October 15, 2011 at 3:02 am

    I am looking for more help for my education as now I am going to a online art school and Iwould love to continue to finish. I need any help that I can get and I have some federal loans but they are going to become way too much by the end of my education. Please help me!!!!!

  • Reply Tommy November 30, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    Hi. My name is Tommy and i’m in my junior year at college. My Major is International Business and i’m trying to avoid student loans. Is there anything that could get me through my last year and a half?

  • Reply Dudley Gregory January 2, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I am going back to college in my mid 30’s, I am on my own and don’t want to pay back to much in student loans. Is there any possible way to get grants or work-study at my age?

  • Reply Ivan Mpaluko January 28, 2012 at 10:53 am

    Dear sir/madam

    I just wanted to request you through this grant application that if it can be possible to you to offer me
    some grant funding money on which i want to pay for the tution fees of the USA home study school called
    “Penn Foster Global School”with its course called “Diploma in Website Design”

    So here is the payment plan you can send direct to me:
    1) Fullpayment Plan $678.00
    2) Total Price $798.00
    3) Automatic Payment Plan $ 75.00
    4) Down Payment $ 49.00
    5) Registratin Fee $ 78.00
    6) Shipping and Handling $ 120.00
    7) Administrative Fee $ 75.00

    So this is it, here is my postal address you can use when sending those funding direct to me:

    Ivan Mpaluko
    Deloitte&Touche
    P.O. box 30364
    Lilongwe 3
    Malawi
    Africa.

    Either you can send those funding money via Western Union because it is safe or you can send
    those funding money via my postal address, you can decide. Please try all your level best to assist me as
    soon as possible.

    Your Faithfully

    Ivan Mpaluko

  • Reply jefferson kaluba February 3, 2012 at 4:46 pm

    am 28yrs i realy want to go to college but i have means and i need a grant.pliz any well wishers to help me am coming from zambian and i need a grant for my college fees.pliz help

    pliz,pliz i realy need to go back to school but i have means.pliz help me and i can be so greatful if i can be helped to study.Thank you

  • Reply Princess Amber February 9, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    I am freshman in college with a GPA of 3.7 and I really need need need need need financial help, so that I can further my education. Please forward me any information on grants and other resources to help me network my future.

    Knowledge is Power!

  • Reply jacqueline stapleton February 28, 2012 at 2:01 am

    I am a 48 year old women, recent islam convert; seeks grants to study religion and international affairs

  • Reply Heather Wilkinson March 31, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    I am 34 years old and I am going to college in pursuit of a BA in Psychology, Masters in Social Work and a PHD in Family and Child Counseling. I have been a preschool teacher since 1996 and would like to further my career to help children and families dealing with difficulities, trauma and addiction. If there are any grants, scholarships or fellowships available to help with this goal, I would really appreciate the help. I will be going to school full-time and will no longer be a full-time employee so any help I can get will be SOOOOOO rewarding.

  • Reply John Michael M. Fernandez May 31, 2012 at 6:23 am

    I am John Michael M. Fernandez, 16 years old of age, a resident of Conel General santos city PHILIPPINES and a indigenous people . I’m longing for a financial assistance so that i may able to continue my study in college level with the course of BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION.. Please let me avail in this scholarship programme i am so much hoping your concern and help.. Thank you and God bless..

  • Reply Nicole Hunter June 17, 2012 at 2:18 pm

    I am 43 years old and I want to go back to school to be a C N A, is there any grant that can help me. Thank you.

  • Reply Nicole June 29, 2012 at 3:19 am

    Please be careful with Penn Foster.

    YES they are accredited, but they are NATIONALLY accredited. This means, your degree will count for career purposes, but if you decide to roll over your degree into another program (that is not in their school) your credits may not transfer. In other words, if you get your BA/BS there and want to go into an MA program elsewhere, if that program doesn’t accept nationally accredited credits, you’ll have to take your BA/BS over again.

    Think of them as a career school, not a higher ed school and you’ll be fine.

  • Reply Glenda Dodd August 28, 2012 at 11:06 pm

    My grand daughter is needing funding for college. She is a junior this year and has been accepted to UTD in Texas but cannot afford the tuition on her parttime job. She lives with her mom and her dad is incarsarated and cannot help. She is wanting to become a child psycologist or reconstructive surgery for children. Please let me know of any grants out there that could help. (no matter the amount)

    Sincerely,
    Desperate Grandmother

  • Reply Christopher November 19, 2012 at 9:53 pm

    I want to go to school for Sound Engineering. I have received federal loan and grants, but still need a $3000 down payment to get into the school of my choice. I would appreciate any help or leads. Thanks.

  • Reply crystal December 23, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Hi i have a 18 year old son who wants to go to a private Sound Engineering school of his choice cost is 8400.00 i am a low income single mom with a disabilty so i cant work or afford to take out a loan to help him! he also has been having a very hard time trying to find a job because he is a fulltime student at a community college and can only do partime work are there any grants or funding that can help us! because we need all the help we can get. i am a proud mom who loves her son and i want to see his dream come true.

    Thanks
    Ms perry

  • Reply Joseph nyongesa February 18, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Dear sir/madam, I hereby write to apply for a help with a grant so that i shall pay for Tuition fee of kenya (NAROKO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE) School Based Diploma in ICT -and procef to degree level. I’m a Teacher in Elementary school.DUE to financial constraints to pay fees for Family 10 students iam unable to cater for what iam requesting for your help. THAT IS MY OPPENNES,i thank you sir, Yours faithfully .JOSEPH NYONGESA.BOx 770 kitale code30200.kenya.(EAST AFRICA)

  • Reply Victorya French-Williams February 28, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    Hello,
    I am a junior first semester transfer student at Western New England University. I currently still have a balance on my tuition, which is making me ineligible to register for the Fall 2013 semester. I only need $4000.00 USD in order to pay off this semester but I am unable to take out any other loans due to my lack of income and no eligible co-signer. Please point me in the right direction to continue my education. I don’t want to be a college drop out due to insufficient funds.

    Sincerely,
    Victorya French-Williams

  • Reply Mussa K. Mussa March 13, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Dear Sir/Madam

    Re: Application for Half Scholarship in 2013

    Applied: BACHELOR DEGREE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AT SEGi UNIVERSITY – MALAYSIA

    I have honorable to submit my application concerned the above mentioned subjects.

    I’m Tanzania national, born in Zanzibar Island in 11 January 1975. I was completed to study Advanced Certificate Education in 1995 at Lumumba Secondary Education in Tanzania. And I had opportunity to study Postgraduate in Tax Management and I studied several Computer courses in different professions that I believe you will help me.

    I would like you to beg to help me in accommodation fees and ticket from home to Malaysia at SEGi University in Malaysia, but the tuition fees I will pay myself, because I can’t afford to pay all fees by myself, and all support documents I sent to you, just open the attachments at see the details of University.

    I hope you will reply me very soon, if you accept my application.

    Passport Number: AB352677 – Tanzania
    Student Number: SCM-022676 – SEGi University – Malaysia

    Thank you in advanced

    You’re faithful

    Mussa Khamis Mussa
    P.O. Box 2552, Zanzibar Island.
    Tanzania.
    East – Africa.

  • Reply Peter April 12, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    I am a foreign student in a school in Malaysia and I have one year left I can’t afford my tuition and would like to know what grants or financial aid, I can receive to complete my studies. Please help I am in need. Can someone give me legitimate sites or help with this. I had to sit out but all I need is the tuition money to finish my last classes to graduate.

  • Reply Miss Wemys Small March 23, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    I have applied to do the masters program in adolescent earth science at the Hunter College in Manhattan for the Fall Semester this year 2014.I am a Home Health Aide at the moment just to pay my bills which amount to about $1000.00 monthly. this two year program costs about $20,000 .I would like to attend full time as it involves field trips etc. My total cost for this would be
    Domestic/personal = $24,000.00
    Tuition/books $ $20,000.00
    = $ 44,000.00
    I would like to be assisted to cover all this costs in the form of grants and loans.I already have a Bachelors degree and trained High School Teacher Certificate from my country–Guyana. I arrived in the USA in December 2012
    My e-mail is smalllois@rocketmail.com
    Thank you for a favourable and prompt reply

    Yours Respectfully
    Miss Wemys Small

  • Reply Zyra August 13, 2014 at 12:33 pm

    Hi. I’m Zyra. Ilive in the Philippines. I’m 3rd year college here taking up Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology. I am planning to continue my studies in jacksonville florida ‘coz my auntie who lives there needs me. could anyone here help or guide me. I really don’t know how to start. & I definitely need a scholarship. Are there college schools in or near jacksonville? are they offering scholarships? will my degree here in Philippines be credited there? I’m just really confused & lost. I need someone to tell me what to do please? thank you 🙂

  • Reply Lydia August 23, 2014 at 4:05 am

    Please am a kenyan student in kenyatta university, i need your help for a grant since am a self sponsered student and have no money yet we are opening on 1st september, 2014

  • Reply Liston December 27, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Hi, my name is Liston Felix Kosimbo, a Kenyan, 16 years of age turning 17 next year, i am in high school Year 10 (IGCSE) i have a problem when it comes to school fees although my parents have tried their best to do what they can, but sometimes they cannot meet the required fee structure, so i thought of going online to search for High School educational grants or scholarships and that’s when i found the African Leadership Academy which i was so exited to read about. So i was humbly requesting if the African Leadership Academy could assist me, i would really be grateful and I’d really appreciate.. Thank you and I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon..

  • Reply Chandler Harrington December 2, 2015 at 2:12 am

    There a few things that I believe make me an ideal candidate for a grant or scholarship. I am pursuing my dream of becoming an aerospace engineer to work on and create aircraft. In order to do such, I have to complete a bachelors program at an accredited college or university in that field of science/engineering. I am currently chasing that goal by attending Hill College in Cleburne, TX. I am doing this because Hill college is the only school I can afford at the time. My mother raised me and my four siblings on her own until I was 16 and she doesn’t have any money to put towards my education. My father on the other hand is a retired Marine. When I was in high school, the Marine Corps tried to make him move out of state, when he had just came truly into my life and was stationed within 30 minutes of my school. So, he told them no and they forced him to retire. Because of such a quick retirement forced upon him, he wasn’t able to sign the GI bill over to me, and they will not let him do it now. Therefore, he also does not have money to put towards my education. So, since my graduation, I have been working strenuously, at times having three jobs just to afford rent, car payments, and living costs as well as tuition for school. I currently work on train cars in Cleburne so that I can try to get as much hands on as possible in the mechanical field. Unfortunately, this job doesn’t pay enough to put me though UT Arlington’s schooling. On the other hand, I work 12 hour days and it is very hard for me to keep up with school work when I am so tired from work everyday. Through all of this that I have stated above, I still am able to maintain my 3.8 GPA as well as succeed at work to my fullest potential. In my opinion, this shows that I am a very hard worker and that I have a goal and I will reach that goal regardless of what it takes. I feel that this makes me a perfect candidate for a grant or scholarship, because you will know that with me, your funding will not go to waste. It will give the world another bright and ambitious engineer. If I received your funding, I would not have to work such a difficult and time consuming job and I would be able to crack down hard on school and promise you a 3.5 GPA or higher.

    Some references for me would be:

    GBW of Cleburne TX Supervisors (Eddie Watson, Brad Bates, Charles Rodriguez) (814) 502 0403
    Edge Manufacturing of Cleburne TX Supervisors (Jordan Jones) (432) 934 1712
    KMART of Midway Park, NC Manager (Eddie Glasgow) (910) 577 7767
    JDCC Furniture Of Swansboro NC owner (Ronnie Crittenden) (910) 330 7181
    Southwest Onslow High School of NC Principal (Jerome Gidrey) (910) 455 4888

  • Reply Valarie December 21, 2015 at 3:28 pm

    Senior working on my BS need funds for my last semester.

  • Reply John Deng Kuer December 28, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    I am 38 years old, from South Sudan, looking for well-wishers who can manage to fund my degree program in Procurement and logistics, as I didn’t afford it myself to finish my studies since I have been accepted by different institutions, like Khartoum, Juba and The Bridge University, but failed to continue due to lack of grant fund.

    • Reply Alamin Drani Martin February 9, 2018 at 1:45 pm

      My name is Mr. Alamin Drani Martin and I am writing in an application for a scholarship to assist me throughout my time studying in ACCA program at London School of Business & Finance-LSBF. I Choose London School of Business & Finance; because the school cultivates an ethos in which I can learn, grow, and succeed. I will be able to share ideas and experiences with people from all over the world as I shape my future success. LSBF is diverse and standard with students from many countries studying with them, the school campuses, courses and classrooms also offer a truly global, diverse and enriching experience. LSBF is the perfect place to gain a truly international experience, preparing me for today’s global marketplace.

      Despite financial hardship I have always done what is necessary to further my studies and work experience. This includes six months shorts contracts work with national non-governmental organization here in South Sudan in serving the communities as well as two solid years of balancing work alongside my study commitments in order to be able to pay the very considerable fees required to study Finance & Accounting.
      This scholarship represents to me an opportunity to fully focus my attention on the main objective of achieving the best I can in ACCA program. I will strive to be a representative and ambassador of University of Denver throughout my future career and am very thankful to be able to attend this course.

      I am grateful to find opportunities like the one that your foundation is providing to students like me who are constantly fighting for the right to receive an education. I remain persistent and will keep working hard until I reach my career goals. I am hopeful to become one of your foundation’s scholarship recipients, so that I can continue on my pathway to become an Accountant.

      Sincerely,

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