Searching for Undergraduate Grants and Scholarships

Pursuing an undergraduate degree can prove to be quite a rewarding process and one of the most invaluable steps in your life. Though the expenses of doing so are quite high as well. Where undergraduate programs require students to work incredibly hard academically, it also requires you to be financially sound in order to support the costs of your education. The problem remains that not every student who wishes to attend an undergraduate college, can afford to do so. To allow these students the ability to finance their college education, federal and state governments offer monetary help in the form of grants and scholarships.

The other option for such students is to take out loans. However, this method ties a student down or requires them to pay interest after they have completed their studies. On the other hand, grants usually do not have any such requirements. They are provided to students based on their needs.

Need Based Grants

Since most grants are need based, it is necessary that each applicant provides accurate financial information of themselves and their family. For this purpose, accurately fill out the Free Application of Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This form can be obtained and filled out either online or on paper. It outlines your family’s current financial need. This can help you determine your eligibility before you apply for a grant. Even if a grant application does not require the FAFSA, they are likely to ask you for it. Filling out and submitting the FAFSA at the beginning of the year gives you the best chance of getting scholarships and grant funds.

Types of Grants

Let us look at the few kinds of scholarships or grants provided to students by the government or any other schooling institutes.

Pell Grants

One of the most well known academic financial aid sources, the Pell Grant considers the amount the applicant’s family can contribute to college tuition. The student may be provided with a grant regardless of whether he or she plans to be enrolled part time or for a full academic year. Pell recipients generally receive up to $5,500 each year if they qualify. There is no process while applying for this grant, you are simply considered after filling out the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Goals (FSEOG)

The FSEOG works similarly to the Pell Grant and does not require you to fill out anything other than the FAFSA. For those students whose expected family contribution (EFC) is at zero, they are put on the list. These grants operate on a first come first serve basis, which is why filling out the FAFSA early in the year is best.

The Science And Mathematics Access To Retain Talent (SMART)

By submitting the FAFSA, you are also considered for SMART, a grant program that recognizes talented undergraduate students who are accomplished in the fields of math, science, engineering, computer sciences and a number of foreign languages. Hence, students studying in these fields, who can’t afford their undergraduate education, are eligible for this grant.

Grants From Institutes

Almost all universities themselves offer scholarships and grants to their upcoming or enrolled undergraduate students. The eligibility criteria varies from location to location, but generally, many use the FAFSA form to apply for their own grants. It is important that you watch for any announcements, but you are also automatically considered for scholarships based on your grades. You are then informed of such opportunities in award letters.

Research

It is important that you do your research for any grants you are applying to. You must also search for any scholarships offered by community groups in your local area that might provide needy students money for college. The best way is to search online. You can also browse through your college’s website for scholarships. By contacting the financial aid office at your school, you can also get personal help regarding your finances.

Applying for all and any opportunity you see gives you the maximum chance for success. Therefore, do not hesitate to make use of all chances that are provided to you. Just remember to be honest and genuine.