We all want to know how as a student you can lower your college tuition. In order to become eligible for a federal grant, students must first be able to demonstrate financial need based on their income level and other related financial factors. Additionally, students must also be a United States citizen, or U.S. national, or an eligible noncitizen. Eligible noncitizens must have a valid Form I-551 (formerly known as the Alien Registration Receipt Card).
Fortunately, the requirements for being eligible for a federal grant are relatively straightforward and easy for most students to meet. To apply for financial aid, students will need to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submit it to the Department of Education. The FAFSA form provides the Department of Education with information used to determine financial need and qualification for aid.
Types of Federal Grants
The U.S. government offers several different types of federal grants, each with its own set of qualification requirements.
The most common type of federal grant is the Federal Pell Grant. The Pell Grant awards undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The grant amount depends on the student’s financial need and their school’s cost of attendance.
The Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is another type of federal grant. This grant is only available to students with the highest level of financial need who are also receiving a Federal Pell Grant. The SEOG, capped at $4,000 per year, is awarded to students demonstrating “exceptional need.
The TEACH Grant helps students aspiring to become teachers. It awards exceptional students who commit to teaching at a low-income school for at least four years post-graduation.
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant goes to students whose parent or guardian died in military service in Iraq or Afghanistan post-September 11th, 2001. It is awarded to eligible students regardless of financial need.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is for undergraduates in their first or second college year who also qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. It rewards students who completed a rigorous high school curriculum.
The Federal SMART Grant is open to college juniors and seniors in specific degree programs who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. It targets students enrolled in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or foreign language studies.
Application Process
Once students have determined that they meet the qualification requirements, they must then fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form in order to apply for aid from the federal government. The student must also submit a FAFSA Signature Page in order for the federal government to process their application. Students must complete and submit the FAFSA form annually to continue receiving aid.
Final Thoughts
Federal grants are an excellent way for aspiring students to pay for college. These grants are awarded based on the student’s financial need and do not require repayment. There are various types of federal grants available, each with its own set of qualification requirements.
Students interested in receiving federal aid must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and submit it to the Department of Education in order to apply for aid. By taking advantage of federal grants, aspiring students can pursue their goals of higher education without the worry of overwhelming debt.
