Scholarships and Grants for College

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell grants are paid for by the federal government; students do not have to repay the grants. The grants cover tuition at two- and four-year accredited colleges and universities. As of March 2011 the most students could receive from the grant was $5,550. Factors that determine the amount of money students receive are whether the student is going to school part time or full time, the student's income and the tuition at the college or university the student wants to attend. Students who demonstrate a greater financial need generally receive more money from the grants. Additionally, students can apply to receive two Pell grants a year. Completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required. The number of grants awarded each year varies.

State governments also distribute educational grants to qualifying students. To receive the grants students must complete a FAFSA application and list items such as their own and their parents' incomes and the code for the school they are attending; codes are listed on online FAFSA forms. Copies of students' and parents' income tax returns are also required with FAFSA applications. The amount of money awarded through state grants depends on the student's financial need.

High school seniors and undergraduates enrolled in college who plan to major in education and teach students who attend schools in low income areas can apply to receive Teach Grants. The grants are funded and administered by the United States Department of Education. Grant recipients must commit to teaching in the United States for at least four years at the elementary and/or secondary levels. The numbers and amounts of grants awarded each year vary.

Dependents of military members can apply to receive college and university scholarships through Fisher House. Applications for the Military Children Program are available at military commissaries. As of April 2011, the amount of the scholarships was $1,500. The number of scholarships awarded to military dependents varies each year. Additionally, Fisher House's Heroes Legacy scholarships for military children are available to dependents of military members who are younger than 23 years of age and unmarried. Their military parents must qualify as disabled, and the disability must have occurred after September 11, 2001 while serving on active duty. Money from the scholarships comes from the sales of President Barack Obama's book "Of Thee I Sing." Scholarship funds are used to pay for students' tuition, books and lab fees. The number and amount of scholarships awarded each year varies.