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Grants

Research grant options that may be available to help you finance your education.

If you're planning for college and need financial assistance, you will want to find out if you are eligible for grants. Grants are available to many qualifying students and do not require repayment.

Who awards grants and what determines eligibility?

Many different sources award grant money to students — including the federal and state governments. The government and the financial aid office determine a student's eligibility for a grant, and the amount of the award, based primarily on the student's financial need.

Federal Grants

There are several types of federal grants available for qualifying students

• Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduates pursuing their first bachelor's or professional degree. Students enrolled in teacher certification or licensing programs may also be ligible. The actual award amount — which can be as much as $4,731 for the 2008-2009 award year — is based on Cost of Attendance (COA), Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and enrollment status. For more information on Cost of Attendance (COA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC), visit AIE's "Applying For Financial Aid" page.
• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is also awarded to eligible students pursuing their fist bachelor's or professional degree. Unlike Pell Grants, FSEOG is not ortable — so it can't be transferred to any college. FSEOGs are awarded annually and typically range between $100 and $4,000. Furthermore, if you are awarded a Pell Grant, you'll be given priority for the FSEOG.
• Academic Competitiveness Grants are awarded to Pell Grant eligible first- and second-year students who are enrolled full time at degree-granting institutions, are U.S. citizens, and have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. Second-year students must also have earned at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year. Award amounts are $750 for first-year students and $1,300 for second-year students.
• National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants are awarded to Pell Grant eligible third- and fourth-year students who are enrolled full time at degree-granting institutions, are U.S. citizens, and are pursuing a major in an area related to science, mathematics, technology, engineering, or a foreign language. Students must maintain at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their program of study. Award amount is $4,000 for both third- and fourth-year students.
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate and graduate students and students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher credential program. Students must meet academic achievement requirements which include scoring above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test or maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25. Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students may not receive more than $16,000 and graduate students may receive no more than $8,000 in total TEACH Grants.  TEACH grant recipients must agree to serve as a full-time teacher at specified schools and teach in a specified field for four academic years within eight years after completing the college course. If the TEACH service requirements are not fulfilled, the grant converts to an unsubsidized Direct Loan which must be repaid in full including interest accrued from the day the grant was received.

Other grant sources

Grants may also be available through the college you attend or other sources, such as alumni associations and corporate sponsorships. These grants may be based on a student's major, interests, and academic success.

State grants

Some states also have their own grant programs. For instance, California offers Cal Grants for California residents attending a California college or university. To learn more about Cal Grants, visit the Cal Grant Web site (www.calgrants.org).

The AIE "State Education Resources" pages contain links to state-related resources, including state grants.

Other grant sources

Grants may also be available through the college you attend or other sources, such as alumni associations and corporate sponsorships. These grants may be based on a student's major, interests, and academic success.

How do I determine my financial need?

It's easy — complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Just this one form has all the information you need to determine your eligibility for a grant and other kinds of financial aid.

How much grant money can I get?

It depends on how much it costs for you to attend a particular school, whether you are a part-time or a full-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. The amount awarded also depends on when you apply, your level of need, and the funding level of the school you're attending. If you qualify for a grant, it could be $100 or several thousand dollars per year.

Still need more info?

For more information about grants and other forms of financial aid, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, or talk to your high school counselor. You can also contact TG's financial aid experts toll-free at (800) 845-6267.