Looking for College Grants?

 by: Michael Carter

Grants are a type of student aid that is awarded by the government. Grants for college students do not have to be repaid.

Grants are based upon financial need, as calculated by the federal aid program. The first step in applying for government grants is by completing the FAFSA.

Of course every student and parent would rather receive grants instead of loans, since they do not have to be repaid. So the student hopes to see a grant award when the results are returned from the application.

There are a few things to be aware of, however, when expecting a grant. The funds available for grants are limited, therefore the grant will not usually fully fund educational expenses. If the student is planning on attending a community college where tuition rates are lower, it is possible that grants will cover a greater percentage of the tuition and fees.

The second thing to be aware of is that when the need analysis is done by the government or school, the expected contribution of the parent is usually higher than in reality what is possible for most families. This expected contribution effects the amount available to the student for grants.
  (continued...)

Looking for College Grants?
  Page 2

About The Author Michael Carter is a contributor at College Financial Aid Guide, an online informational resource for educational funding, scholarships and student loans. Learn more ways to get money for college at: http://www.collegefinancialaidguide.com.

Additional Resources

category - Education Grants

Scalable Nanomanufacturing Grants Program
The National Science Foundation has announced the constitution of the Scalable Nanomanufacturing Grants Program wherein it intends to deepen and encourage research and education in the area of scalable nanomanufacturing, including the long-term societal implications of the largescale implementation of nanomanufacturing innovations.

---

SMART Grants - Educational Grants for the Student of Math, Science and Languages
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants assist those undergraduate postsecondary students that major in foreign languages or certain designated technical fields. Financial grant assistance is provided on need-basis to help these students meet their educational expenses.

---

What's this I Hear About a Free Application for Federal Student Aid?
Are you struggling to get through school financially but not sure where to turn next? Have you exhausted loan options but are sick of paying large fees just to apply for the loan and being turned down anyway at the end? You will be glad to find out that that there are cost-free Federal Student Aid applications available to you.

---

2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition
The Economic Development Administration has recently established the 2012 University Center Economic Development Program Competition wherein they intend to solicit grant applications from higher education institutions stating their intent to establish and operate special University Centers that are focused on leveraging university assets in order to create regional economic ecosystems that will support high-growth entrepreneurship.

---