Grants for College Students
College students can access billions in grants annually through federal, state, and institutional programs. Unlike loans, grants don't need to be repaid—making them the best form of financial aid. The federal government provides over $40 billion yearly through Pell Grants, FSEOG, and specialized programs, while states contribute $12+ billion more. Below are 88 verified grant opportunities for undergraduate students.
Types of College Grants
🎓 Federal Pell Grants
The largest federal grant program awards up to $7,395 annually to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. No repayment required. Available for 12 semesters (6 years).
đź’° FSEOG & SEOG
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants provide $100-$4,000/year to Pell-eligible students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Priority to early FAFSA filers.
🏫 State Grant Programs
Every state offers grant programs for residents attending in-state colleges. Amounts range from $500 to full tuition (Cal Grant, NY TAP, Texas Grant). Must file FAFSA by state deadlines.
👨‍🏫 TEACH & Service Grants
TEACH Grants provide up to $4,000/year for students studying education with 4-year teaching commitment. Public Service Loan Forgiveness available for qualifying careers.
Major Federal Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant
The cornerstone of federal student aid. Eligibility based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from FAFSA. Maximum award for students with EFC $0. Available for first bachelor's degree. No repayment required.
- File FAFSA annually (Oct 1 deadline)
- Enroll at least half-time
- Award prorated for part-time students
- Available up to 12 semesters (150% of program length)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Campus-based program for Pell-eligible students with lowest EFC. Limited funds allocated to schools. Priority to students who file FAFSA earliest and have greatest financial need.
- Must be Pell Grant eligible
- Funds distributed by financial aid office
- Apply early—funds limited and first-come
- Undergraduate students only
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Part-time jobs for students with financial need. Earn money to help pay education expenses. On-campus or approved off-campus positions. Wages at least federal minimum wage.
- Work 10-20 hours per week during school
- Can work full-time during breaks
- Gain career-relevant experience
- Community service opportunities available
TEACH Grant
For students studying education who commit to teach in high-need field at low-income school for 4 years. Converts to loan if service obligation not met.
- Must maintain 3.25 GPA
- Complete TEACH Grant counseling
- Teaching service within 8 years after graduation
- Sign Agreement to Serve or Repay
Eligibility Requirements
Federal Grant Eligibility
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen
- Enrollment: Accepted/enrolled in eligible degree or certificate program
- Academic Progress: Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by school
- FAFSA: Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid annually
- Selective Service: Males 18-25 must register (if required)
- Default Status: Not in default on federal student loans
- Degree Level: Most grants limited to first bachelor's degree
- Enrollment Status: At least half-time for most programs (6+ credits)
Income Requirements
- Pell Grant: EFC typically under $6,000 (based on family income, assets, household size)
- Maximum Pell: EFC $0 (family income usually under $30,000)
- FSEOG: Must be Pell-eligible with exceptional need
- State Grants: Income limits vary by state (typically under $80,000)
Documentation Needed
- Social Security Number
- Tax returns (yours and parents if dependent)
- W-2 forms and income records
- Bank statements and investment records
- Records of untaxed income
- List of schools to receive FAFSA
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay back grants?
No, grants are free money that doesn't need to be repaid—unlike student loans. However, if you withdraw from school or fail to maintain eligibility requirements (academic progress, enrollment status), you may need to return some grant money. TEACH Grants convert to loans if service obligation isn't met.
When should I apply for grants?
File FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 of the year before you'll attend college. Some state grants have early deadlines (as early as November-February). FSEOG funds are limited and distributed first-come, first-served. Early filing is critical for maximum aid.
Can I get grants for community college?
Yes! Pell Grants, FSEOG, and state grants are available for community college students. In fact, community college students often qualify for larger Pell Grants because lower tuition costs reduce expected student contribution. Many states offer programs covering full tuition at community colleges (California College Promise, Tennessee Promise, Oregon Promise).
What's the maximum Pell Grant I can receive?
The maximum Pell Grant for 2024-25 is $7,395 per year ($3,697.50 per semester). Award amount depends on your EFC, cost of attendance, enrollment status (full-time vs part-time), and length of enrollment. Students with EFC $0 receive maximum award if enrolled full-time. Year-round Pell allows up to 150% of regular award if enrolled in summer.
Can I receive multiple grants at once?
Yes! You can stack multiple grants. Common combinations: Pell Grant + FSEOG + state grant + institutional grants + private scholarships. Total aid cannot exceed your cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation). Schools will reduce aid if you're over-awarded.
Do grants cover living expenses?
Yes, grants can pay for more than tuition. Your cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. If your grants exceed tuition/fees, the remaining amount is refunded to you for living expenses. However, total aid cannot exceed your school's calculated cost of attendance.
How to Apply for College Grants
File FAFSA Early
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov as soon as possible after October 1. Most grants require FAFSA. Create FSA ID for you and one parent (if dependent). Gather tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements before starting.
Apply for State Grants
Check your state's higher education agency website for state-specific grants. Some states require separate applications (California Dream Act, NY TAP). Pay attention to state deadlines—some are earlier than federal FAFSA deadline. Verify state residency requirements.
Review Financial Aid Offer
Schools will send financial aid award letters after admission. Compare offers from different schools. Identify free money (grants/scholarships) vs. loans. If awarded Federal Work-Study, contact financial aid office to find job postings. Appeal if your financial situation changed.
Accept Your Awards
Log into your school's financial aid portal to accept grants. Accept all grants/scholarships (free money) first. Accept Federal Work-Study if you want part-time employment. Carefully consider loans—only borrow what you need. Submit any additional documents requested by school.
Maintain Eligibility
Complete Satisfactory Academic Progress (typically 2.0 GPA, 67% course completion rate). Re-file FAFSA every year by deadline. Report changes in income, household size, or enrollment status. Monitor your Pell Grant lifetime limit (12 semesters). Stay enrolled at least half-time.
Search for Additional Scholarships
Apply for private scholarships through scholarships.com, fastweb.com, cappex.com, and local community foundations. Check professional associations, employers, unions, religious organizations. Many small scholarships ($500-$2,000) have less competition than large national awards.
Essential College Grant Resources
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Official FAFSA application portal for federal grants. File annually starting October 1. Create FSA ID first.
studentaid.gov →Federal Pell Grant Program
Official information about Pell Grant eligibility, amounts, and regulations. Maximum award $7,395/year.
ed.gov/pell →State Grant Directories
Directory of state financial aid agencies and grant programs. Find your state's program and deadlines.
nasfaa.org/state-aid →TEACH Grant Program
Up to $4,000/year for education majors committing to teach in high-need fields. Counseling required.
teach-ats.ed.gov →Available College Grants (88)
Showing 1-20 of 88 grants
National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Facilitating Research at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions:
U.S. National Science Foundation
University Nuclear Leadership Program– Scholarship and Fellowship Support
Idaho Field Office
NIDCD's Mentored Research Education Pathway for Otolaryngology Residents and Medical Students (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Research Experiences and/or Mentoring Networks through Research Education to Enhance Clinician-Scientists' Participation in NIDCDs Research (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
EONS 2018: Appendix E Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) for Sustainability and Innovation Collaborative – (MUSIC)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program - Opportunities in NASA STEM FY 2020 – 2024
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education
U.S. National Science Foundation
Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Required)
National Institutes of Health
Development of Research-based Educational Outreach Materials
NCA Contracting
International Research Experiences for Students
U.S. National Science Foundation
NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program
U.S. National Science Foundation
Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program
U.S. National Science Foundation
Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences
U.S. National Science Foundation
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)
National Institutes of Health
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)
National Institutes of Health
Defense Security Cooperation University - Research Grants
Washington Headquarters Services
Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Courses for Skills Development (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Research Experiences (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health
NIDA Research Education Program for Clinical Researchers and Clinicians (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
National Institutes of Health