Educational Grants and Scholarships for College Students

Financial support in the form of grants and scholarships is often called "gift aid" because it provides free funding that doesn’t need repayment. Grants are usually awarded based on financial need, while scholarships are granted for academic or extracurricular excellence. These aid options come from federal, state, or private organizations, including nonprofit foundations and educational institutions.

The U.S. Department of Education offers numerous federal grants for students attending community colleges, universities, or vocational schools for undergraduate and career training programs.

Most grants target students with financial hardship. To maintain eligibility and access federal aid, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually during their studies.

It’s important to stay informed about any repayment obligations. If a student is required to repay part of the grant, they typically have 45 days to pay in full or arrange a repayment plan. Failure to comply may result in the loss of eligibility for future federal aid, with the school or relevant department handling collection efforts. Students should review their specific scholarship or grant criteria regularly to ensure continued compliance and eligibility.

Requirements for maintaining aid vary by program. Students are encouraged to visit the program’s official website for detailed guidelines and stay updated on eligibility criteria to secure ongoing support.