About a quarter of all undergraduate students in recent years have received federal grant money, and the median values for awards come in at approximately $3,300 for full-time students and $2,200 for part-time students. You do not receive a check directly from the government; instead, college financial aid offices receive a check and credit your school account. Because grant money can be used for the total cost of attendance, you are permitted to use it for living expenses, books, and materials after it has been applied towards tuition. Grants do not have to be repaid!

You must begin your federal grant search by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which, like a tax form, will document facts about your financial situation. Once you have satisfied the requirements for filing a FAFSA you will be sent a Student Aid Report (SAR) by the US Department of Education. The eligible for the following federal grants, provided you are a US citizen and are not in default of any federal loans.

1. Federal Pell Grant Program
Pell Grants are intended for students pursuing an undergraduate degree. They currently provide more than 90% of federal student aid grant money. Maximum awards tend to fall around $3000 to $4000 per year, and may be used alongside other college grants and financial aids.

The amount of Pell Grant money given to a student depends on the costs of tuition, books, room and board and transportation; the financial capacity and size of the applicant’s family; and whether the applicant is a part-time or full time student. 97% of recipients come from households earning $50K or less per year.

2. Academic Competitiveness Grant
These grants provide as much as $750 for a student’s first year in college. For your second year of undergraduate study, you can be awarded a $1,300.

You are qualified to apply for this grant if you have completed a rigorous program in high school and are eligable for a Pell Grant.

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