There are several grants to pay for one's college tuition.
The cost of college continues to jump exponentially, making it harder for aspiring collegians to afford an education. In fact, research from the College Board indicates that in 2010 alone, college tuition increased faster than the rate of inflation. Given that reality, all forms of financial aid have become more important than ever before. For many students, there are grants available from the federal government and certain state governments that can be the key to graduating with a college degree.
Pennsylvania State Grant Program
Graduating high school seniors in Pennsylvania can take advantage of the Pennsylvania State Grant Program (PSGP). Administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, the PSGP also gives grant money to GED holders. In addition to the PSGP application form, applicants must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. Recipients can get between $600 and $4,120 depending on their household income and the schools they will be enrolled in.
Federal Pell Grant
Offered by the U.S. government, the federal Pell Grant gives money to incoming freshmen from low-income families. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and both part-time or full-time students are eligible. Applicants must also prove that they need financial assistance. To do this, they must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants who lost a parent during military service in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 will receive the maximum amount of $5,550.
Cal Grants
Cal Grants are offered by the California State Aid Commission to graduating high school seniors and GED holders. However, they are only available to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents that can demonstrate financial need. Applicants must plan to attend a qualifying California college as either part-time or full-time students. The Cal Grant program provides different types of grants. The Cal Grant A award provides up to $11,124. The Cal Grant B awards provides $1,551 for books, and those selected for the Cal Grant C award will receive $576 for books and $2592 for tuition.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOGP) is offered by the U.S. government to undergraduates in need of financial assistance. The grant typically goes to students with "exceptional need." These are individuals whose families cannot offer any money toward their education. Money is sent from the federal government to financial aid departments at approximately 4,000 schools. The schools can then determine how much to give to eligible candidates. Recipients can get anywhere between $100 to $4,000 each academic year.
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