College Grants

While most people are much more familiar with scholarships, college grants can be just as good, if not better in some respects in helping shoulder some of your college expenses. A grant is very similar to a scholarship but differs in a few respects. Grants are usually, but not always, provided through the government or a non-profit organization. The advantage of grants is that they are much more flexible in how they can be used, though there are some obligations. Most scholarships are awarded just for tuition or room and board, but grants can be applied to a variety of educational expenses if there is additional money, which can be great if you're doing some graduate level research.

The range of grants available is impressive, and it can be hard to know where to begin. Some grants apply to particular fields of study like teaching or the arts while others are more general and can be used by any field of study. Single mothers, those who want to study abroad, and even military veterans can take advantage of grants geared toward each of these specific needs. Because most grant recipients have need of financial assistance to help pay for school, there are many grants that are designed for students of minorities or underrepresented groups.

A good deal of college grants are given out through federal or state governments. One of the most common government grants is the Pell Grant, which is subdivided into numerous categories and awarded for academic competitiveness, financial need, or for those going into a high demand field like mathematics or engineering. State grants can also be helpful in a wide variety of fields.

While the money may be free, applying for grants can be a long and involved process. What each grant requires for its application can vary. Some will require essays, others will want letters of recommendation from teachers or community members, and those based on need, like Pell grants, will likely need to see statements regarding your family's income.

While grants can often be used for things scholarships cannot, they still come with strings attached. Many grants are awarded on the stipulation that the recipient will pursue a rigorous course of study or obtain a degree in an in-demand field. In some cases, grant money is exchanged for professional service following graduation. This is especially common in the health care profession.

Don't rule out grants as a way to fund your college education. There are a lot of grant programs out there that can help you put a dent in your college tuition, no matter what you plan on majoring in. So whether you're pursuing a master's degree, law degree or just starting out as an undergraduate student, take the time to explore how grants can help you.

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