The College Gateway

Pell Grant

This grant is for undergraduates with financial needs. Eligible for the bachelor’s degree program, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, which includes individuals with a green card or citizens of certain freely associated states such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands. To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Notes:

• Awarded amount differs depending on financial need
• Funds can go up to 12 semesters (6 years) statistics
• Around $27.2 B in funds were awarded to 6M students from 2022 to 2023
• Helped around 5.4 M full-time and part-time students (nationally)

Here's a bit of history: Created by the Higher Education Act of 1965, it was later renamed in 1980 in order to honor Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island).

FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)

This grant is for undergraduates with financial needs.The amount of financial aid awarded through this program ranges from $100 to $4,000, depending on factors such as the student’s financial need, other aid they may be receiving, and the funds available at their school. Priority is given to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have applied early. To determine eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students are those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC), who are enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program while maintaining the required academic performance.

Notes:

• It does not usually require repayment as it is administered by schools (campus-based aid).
• One has to qualify for a Pell grant to apply for FSEOG.
• Unlike Pell Grants, FSEOG grants are not guaranteed for eligible students. Instead, FSEOG funds are limited and distributed by individual schools on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to apply early!

State Grants

State governments offer this form of financial aid to support individuals or organizations in need. To be eligible, a student must be a resident of the state offering the grant and demonstrate financial need. Additionally, students must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and maintain the required academic performance. Eligibility criteria may vary by state or program, for instance, New York's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) includes income limits. Applications often require completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or other state-specific forms.

Documentation needed to prove eligibility:

• ID documentation: Government issued ID (passport, driver’s licence, etc)
• Proof of Residency: Utility bills, rental agreements, voter registration cards or other documents that qualify
• Income Verification: Tax returns, bank statements, or pay stubs qualify3
• Educational Records This includes a high school diploma, GED certificate, or other similar education-related grants
• Additional documents: Some grants may require other documentation to see if you are eligible for the grant.

Notes:

• Typically need based meaning it typically does not have to be repaid
• These grants are for specific purposes: education, city projects, and other local initiatives.
• Eg. California’s Cal Grant-This grant covers tuition fees for California colleges and universities

Private Grant

Private grants are offered by organizations, businesses, or individuals to help students cover their college education expenses. These grants are often targeted toward specific groups of students, particular fields of study, or notable achievements, providing funding for tuition, books, and other educational costs. An example of a private grant is the Dell Scholars Program, which awards $20,000 to eligible students.

Eligibility criteria for private college grants (varies widely across providers):

• Academic Criteria: Some grants are awarded based on the student’s academic achievements, athletic or artistic talent, or specific fields of study (example: STEM).
• Not all private grants are limited to academics: there are opportunities for other skills including athletics and artistry

Note

• They do not typically need to be repaid.
• Residency/Enrollment: Some grants awarded based on if the students are state residents and are if the students are enrolled in the approved colleges (examples: New York’s TAP or Enhanced Tuition Awards).
• Special Interests or Commitments: Some grants are awarded based on if the students are interested in specific areas (like healthcare) or even have post-graduation commitments to be fulfilled.

Athletes Grant

• Lakers Youth Foundation Grants: While centering on underserved communities, these grants provide support for youth sports programs with grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000
• DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Grants: These grants can provide up to $25,000 for youth sports organizations within economically challenged areas.
• 15 and the Mahomies Foundation: This foundation provides grants for youth sports initiatives while encouraging health and wellness along the way.

Artists Grant

This grant is for undergraduates with financial needs. Eligible for the bachelor’s degree program, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, which includes individuals with a green card or citizens of certain freely associated states such as the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, or the Marshall Islands. To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Notes:

• Awarded amount differs depending on financial need
• Funds can go up to 12 semesters (6 years) statistics
• Around $27.2 B in funds were awarded to 6M students from 2022 to 2023
• Helped around 5.4 M full-time and part-time students (nationally)

Here's a bit of history: Created by the Higher Education Act of 1965, it was later renamed in 1980 in order to honor Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island).

College-Based Grants

This grant is for undergraduates with financial needs.The amount of financial aid awarded through this program ranges from $100 to $4,000, depending on factors such as the student’s financial need, other aid they may be receiving, and the funds available at their school. Priority is given to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have applied early. To determine eligibility, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students are those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC), who are enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program while maintaining the required academic performance.

Notes:

• It does not usually require repayment as it is administered by schools (campus-based aid).
• One has to qualify for a Pell grant to apply for FSEOG.
• Unlike Pell Grants, FSEOG grants are not guaranteed for eligible students. Instead, FSEOG funds are limited and distributed by individual schools on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure to apply early!