Both grants and scholarships provide free money, sometimes known as “gift aid.” The funding helps students cover educational costs with no expectation or requirement that it will be paid back. Because of this commonality, the words “grant” and “scholarship” are sometimes used interchangeably. There are, in fact, some key differences. Here’s a comparison guide to help you navigate the potential resources.
Need vs. Merit
Most grant awards are tied to a student’s financial need. Students are often evaluated on the basis of whether they can afford to pay for college, given their family income, savings, and other assets. Many grants have additional requirements to qualify, but the demonstrated need is usually what sets grants apart from scholarships. Scholarships, on the other hand, are more often awarded to students based on merit. They’re reserved for students with high achievement in academics, sports, leadership, or other activities. Scholarship programs might also consider financial need or other criteria, including a student’s ethnicity or state residency. The criteria for grants and scholarships aren’t black and white, so consider applying for them even if you think you might not qualify. Many scholarships look at financial need alongside other criteria, and some grants aren’t need-based, such as those awarded for a parent’s military service or for a student pursuing a teaching career.
How To Find Grants
A grant award can make a huge difference to students in figuring out how to pay for college. Many grants are offered through government programs, such as federal Pell Grants or individual state grants reserved for residents of those states. Colleges often have their own grant programs as well.
Federal Grants
Here are some of the common federally funded grants:
Federal Pell Grants are the most common grants for undergraduate students, awarding up to $6,895 for the 2022-2023 school year based on financial need.Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) award $100 to $4,000 per year to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. College financial aid offices administer these, and not all schools participate in the program.Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants provide up to $4,000 per year to students seeking an education-related degree. These grants have very specific requirements, and the student must agree to work in a high-need field and low-income area after graduation. You do not have to demonstrate financial need.Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are extended to students who are the children or dependents of a military member who died serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Students can only receive them if they aren’t eligible for Pell Grants. The maximum award is $6,895 for the 2022-2023 school year. The actual amount that an individual student may receive depends on a number of factors.
State Grants
State grant programs vary widely from state to state, both in how much assistance is provided and how they are run and administered. To find these grants, start with your state’s department of education or higher education agency websites. (Education departments and agencies for each state are listed here.) Also see this guide to state financial aid programs from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
College Grants
While you may assume that your university’s financial aid office will automatically consider you for college-funded grants when putting together your offer letter, don’t take that for granted. Check with your financial aid administrator, college or major advisor, or student organization faculty to see whether there are other programs for which you might qualify.
How To Find Scholarships
You don’t have to be a valedictorian or star athlete to find scholarships. Among the thousands of scholarship programs, many are designed to support students with a wide range of backgrounds, achievements, and abilities. Many scholarships are funded by nonprofit organizations or foundations, private organizations, companies, and individuals. Some scholarships are granted to students of a certain religion, gender, ethnicity, or nationality. Others are aimed at supporting students who are pursuing specific career paths or fields of study. To find them, search online as well as within your own community. CareerOneStop, a resource from the Department of Labor, has a scholarship finder that can connect you with thousands of financial aid opportunities. Also check reputable online scholarship sites such as Cappex, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com. Closer to home, seek out information about scholarships from your high school or college counselor or your local library’s reference section. Check with any organization you have a connection with, such as your employer (or a parent’s employer), your church or faith community, or local businesses. Just like with grant opportunities, check with your college. Some scholarships choose recipients through staff nominations rather than applications.
The Bottom Line
You are in the best position to know what distinguishes you as you hunt down grants and scholarships. Dedicate the time to finding and taking advantage of those opportunities, and keep in mind that not all forms of financial aid are alike. If you are offered scholarships or grants, make sure to exhaust those and any other gift aid first before considering student loans.
