Your Guide to College Grants

What is a college grant? A grant is money earmarked to help students get the financial aid they need for secondary education. They’re given to students based on things like financial need, or other criteria that the government or a particular organization has established. Students can apply for Pell Grants, for example, from the federal government through the FAFSA system and search for additional grants through financial aid databases.

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How is a grant different from a scholarship? There’s one specific about grants and scholarships that separate the two. Grants are need-based and are often given to students who need financial aid. Scholarships, on the other hand, are typically merit-based. Anybody who can meet the standards of a scholarship when going to college can earn one. In the end, neither grants nor scholarships have to be repaid if the conditions of the award are met. For instance, a grant or scholarship might require a student to complete their degree in a pre-determined amount of time.

How is a grant different from a student loan? Students who meet the requirements of a grant won’t have to pay any of the money back. In contrast, student loans will require repayment. Students can apply for federal and private student loans based on their financial needs. Typically, student loans won’t require repayment until after graduating. Although, non-subsidized student loans will accrue interest during this time, while subsidized won’t accrue any interest until after graduation.

Will I ever have to repay a grant? If you fail to meet the conditions set forth for the grant, you will have to pay it back. Some circumstances where you could have to repay might include:

• You withdraw from the program for which the grant was based.
• Your enrollment status changes. (e.g., You change from full-time enrollment to part-time.)
• You do not fulfill the requirements of the grant after graduation. (e.g., You don’t work in an underserved area for the designated number of years before changing jobs.)

How to get grants for college. Understanding how to get grants and the process of applying for them is half the battle of securing them. We’ve put together a few steps for you to follow to make sure you’re putting the best version of yourself out there for grant committees.

1. Research grants that fit your field of study. While there are some grants that nearly every student will qualify for, some are designated for a specific field of study, which you can use to your benefit. Those who study extremely specific things like Victorian-era British women’s literature or single-celled microbe reproduction might find it easier to find grants. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not in a niche program because you can still find grants, but there will be more competition.
2. Get started right away. Don’t put off starting your application until the deadline day. The earlier you can submit your application, the better off you’ll be for a few reasons.
   • It shows the committee that you’re serious about getting the grant.
   • You can take your time on the essay.
   • You won’t miss the deadline.
3. Read the requirements and make a plan. Some grant applications come with extensive instructions. Be sure to read through them thoroughly, so you understand everything you need to include. It could call for financial information, writing an essay, community service, or anything else the committee sees fit. Make a plan to gather all the necessary information and set a schedule to complete your application.
4. Proofread your essay. Never submit your first draft. Even the best authors in the world will go through two or three drafts of their books before they go to publishing. Thoroughly proofread and edit your essay, then ask somebody else to go through it to help polish it further.
5. Meet your deadline. Do. Not. Miss. Your. Deadline. The first word in the compound word “deadline” is “dead.” Keep that in mind as you work on your grant application. If you miss the deadline, your hopes of getting that grant are dead.
6. Follow up. Once you’ve submitted your application, it’s not a bad idea to take a little time to follow up with the organization to make sure they’ve received it and ask if there’s a timeline of when you might hear back. Making contact is a great way to let them know you’re serious about the grant and can put your name at the forefront of the committee members’ minds when they review applications.

Going to college can be expensive—but there are plenty of funds out there for the asking. Your school’s financial aid office is a great place to start. Once you’re college bound, be sure to take advantage of exclusive student deals on productivity software, which includes all the popular apps you need to stay organized on a budget.