Financial Assistance 

Money given to students that does not need to be paid back, these may be awarded to students who excel academically or in sports, or who qualify based on other criteria defined by the scholarship (such as to a student who is to study nursing, or to a student of a particular ethnic group). Scholarships may be given by the school, by a philanthropic organization, by local civic clubs, or from endowments established to honor former students. Websites like Scholarships.com or Fastweb can help connect prospective students to scholarship opportunities. High school guidance counselors will have a list of local scholarships; always take note of application deadlines and submit as early as possible.

The Federal and State governments give out grants to college students. Like scholarships, grants do not need to be repaid. Federal grants, also called Pell Grants, are need based and given to students with family incomes of less than $40,000. State grants are for colleges or universities within that state or in some cases, in other states with which the state has a reciprocity agreement. The grant amounts and qualifications vary by state; see what your state has to offer on this interactive map. Often these grants are awarded through the colleges’ financial aid office and based on the information provided on the FAFSA.

Subject specific grants are also available:

TEACH Grant: "Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education" Grant is given to qualifying college students who meet the criteria (see requirements here) and who promise to teach for four years in a high need area that serves low-income students. If the grantee does not fulfill the teaching obligation, the TEACH Grant is converted to a direct unsubsidized loan with interest dating back to the time of grant disbursement. That loan must be paid back to the government. For the 2021-22 academic year, the maximum TEACH grant is $4,000.

FSEOG Grant: "Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity" Grant is given to students with exceptional financial need. These are Federal grants awarded by participating schools. Up to $4,000 per year available to qualifying students. More information is available here.