Grants are important for college students, especially when they have no means to pay for their tuition, books, housing, and other school expenses. As a college student, there are a plethora of grants you can apply for, but knowing which one best suits your financial needs can be quite difficult.
In this guide, we will reveal the best grants you should apply for as a college student. These college grants can help you do the heavy lifting, as they cover a myriad of education-related expenses.
What Are Grants?
Grants can be defined as an amount of money usually given by the government or an organization to a person or an organization for a specific purpose, such as education, research, or community projects.
Grants are similar to scholarships. They are money given to students to fund their education. However, when a grant is given to you, it requires no repayment, unlike student loans.
Once you are given a grant, either by the government, organization, or individual, you are expected to keep up with your studies, attend classes, and pass your exams. This is the only thing required of you when you receive a grant.
Who Can Get Grants for College?
The people eligible for college grants are students. Grants are given based on the needs of the student.
So, the student with the highest financial aid needs will be given the largest grant. Students who want to apply for grants can apply for federal, state, and institutional grants.
Types of Grants for College Students
There are different types of grants for college students, and they include the following:
• Private Grants
Private grants are given by most foundations, religious groups, and corporations to college students. They are often based on the financial needs of the student, but some are merit-based or awarded to students.
• Federal Grants
This is a grant that comes directly from the U.S. government, and college students can only receive this grant when they fill out the FAFSA form.
• Institutional Grants
Institutional grants are offered by universities and colleges to help their students who cannot pay their tuition fees and other needs in school. They are given based on the needs of the students.
• State Grants
State grants vary from state to state; they are state-centric grants given to students that come from that state. As a college student, you should find out if your state is offering any grants.
Top 7 Grants for College That You Should Apply For
We cannot emphasize the importance of grants for college students. Grants take off the burden of them having to see themselves through school.
With grants, students can be able to pay for their tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other expenses in school. Here are the top 10 grants for college you should apply for.
1. Zell Miller Grant Program
Georgia’s Zell Miller Grant is available to Georgia residents who are working towards a certificate or diploma at a Technical College System of Georgia or University System of Georgia. Applicants are expected to have a minimum CGPA of 3.5.
2. TEACH Grant Program
Teachers Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program provides federal grants of up to $3,772 per year, for a maximum of $7,544.
This is a program that was hosted mainly for students who are highly qualified and attending an accredited U.S. college for a master’s or bachelor’s degree in education.
3. KHEAA College Access Program Grant
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority offers a grant that is meant to help Kentucky’s financially needy undergraduate students attend eligible private and public colleges and universities, but not just universities but also technical colleges and trade schools.
4. Jackie Robinson Scholarship Grant
Jackie Robinson Foundation is known for offering grants of up to $35,000 to college students. Scholars under the Jackie Robinson Foundation have received this grant for over four years.
Additionally, they are also sponsored to attend the Jackie Robinson annual, four-day “Mentoring and Leadership Conference in New York. Aside from this, scholars also benefit from a program that includes career guidance and internships.
5. Texas Tuition Equalization Grant
This is a state-centric grant because it is only for those who are attending nonprofit private colleges and universities in Texas.
To be eligible for this grant, you must be a Texas resident; you must be registered with selective service. Also, you have a financial need, which will be determined by the institution.
6. Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant
The Jose Marti Scholarship Challenge Grant is a need-based merit scholarship. It provided financial assistance to eligible students of Hispanic origin who would attend Florida public or private institutions.
However, to apply for this grant, you must be a Florida resident, a U.S. citizen, or an eligible non-citizen, and you must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
7. Gilbert Matching Student Grant
Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program (GMSGP) makes provision for participating Massachusetts institutions of higher education and nursing schools.
A higher percent of the funds goes into the financial assistance of the undergraduate students from Massachusetts so that they can continue attending that same institution.
However, only students pursuing their first diploma, bachelor’s degree, or associate degree are qualified for the grant. Also, you must have lived in Massachusetts for up to 12 months before you can be qualified.
Conclusion
College students who are unable to cater for their needs in school should apply for grants. Grants are very helpful; they help you to fund your education at any level.
The list above shows the top grants for college you should apply for. It is also advisable that you check your eligibility for various grants on an annual basis so that you don’t miss out on the opportunity.
