How to find out about free grant money
If you're planning on going to college in the near future, you probably know that tuition and fees are expensive, and they're not getting any cheaper. When paying for college, you have a number of options. While loans are one route to take, many students don't like the idea of being riddled with student loans for years to come after graduation.
One option for paying for college is free grant money. Unlike a student loan, a grant is considered a gift you don't have to pay back. These can be difficult to obtain, however, since they are mostly based on need and a first-come, first-serve basis. When it comes to grant money, it's important to begin learning about it early. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting the money.
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Qualifying for grant money
Before you start applying for grants, it's important to make sure you qualify for them. There are several different types of grants, and each has different eligibility requirements:
Federal Pell Grants. These grants are based on need and have certain family income requirements, depending on your college's federally approved guidelines. Colleges only get a certain amount of Pell money each year from the government, so applying early can increase your chances (the earliest one can apply is January 1).
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. These grants are similar to Pell Grants and range from $100 to $4,000. Unlike Pell Grants, which are first-come first-serve, these grants are reserved specifically for students who need it most.
State grants. Most states have some kind of grant program. To find these grants and how to apply, check your state's student aid or education web sites.
Institutional grants. Institutional grants come from the colleges themselves, and are often used to attract desirable students to their school.
How to find out about free grant money
When applying for free grant money, the sooner the better. There are many places you can search for grant money and the application process, including:
School. Your high school or college financial aid department will be your best resource for finding out about grant money and the application process and deadlines. It's also a good idea to check with your guidance counselor. He or she will walk you through the application process and answer any questions you may have about eligibility or deadline dates.
Internet. The internet is chock-full on information on free grant money. However, be careful. Don't get drawn into scams that charge you for lists of scholarships; this information is usually easily accessible. Grants.gov is a government site and a good place to start looking for government and federal grants. College websites are another great resource on the internet for grant information. Most sites have an entire financial aid section, with plenty of information about free grant money.
Public library. Public libraries or school libraries are a great resource for finding free grant money. The library will contain many books full of information such as how to find grant money, which ones you are eligible for, and how to increase your chances of getting one.
There is a great deal of free grant money available to students for college. Through careful research that begins early, you can find grant money to help you pay for the rising costs of a college education.
