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Scholarships and Grants

Another approach to college funding.

Ideally, your search for financial aid should start here. Why? Because scholarships and grants are considered "gift aid" and you don't have to repay them.


Scholarships

Scholarships can be offered by schools, local organizations and by private national institutions (such as the National Merit foundation. To find out about theses and over 275,000 other scholarships, check out fastWEB.com, the largest scholarship search firm on the Internet.


Other scholarships:

  • Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides aid to academically and economically disadvantaged students
  • Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships, based on student need, provide $1,000 to $5,000 a year for up to four years in approved programs (and five years in specified programs). If you qualify, you will be required to complete a work obligation. Top priority is given to disadvantaged minorities.
  • Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) has scholarships for Army, Navy and Air Force members who have four years of active duty and four years of reserve duty history.
  • Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships provide scholarships of $1,500 per year for up to four years, contingent upon federal funding. Scholarships are awarded based on SAT scores and grade point average.

Remember, scholarships do not have to be repaid, so consult with your guidance counselor or financial aid administrator early in the financial aid process to determine your eligibility.


Other sites to investigate include:


Grants

Grants are also an alternative to supplementing college financial assistance. Once you complete your FAFSA, information gathered from that application will be used to determine your eligibility for many of the grants listed below. Be sure to complete your FAFSA by January of the year in which you plan to attend college.

Federal PELL Grants

The next step in exploring financial aid alternatives is to apply for a Federal Pell Grant. These grants make up the largest government gift aid program. Depending on the availability of federal funds, awards can range up to $4,310 per year to undergraduate students. Eligibility is based on financial need, and the government guarantees that eligible students will receive funds. Grant awards are determined by information provided on the FAFSA form.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

The Federal SEOG is a more limited source of funding in which the college distributes money to undergraduates with exceptional financial need who will already be receiving PELL awards. The SEOG award ranges from $100 to $4,000 per year. However, unlike the PELL grant, there is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive a SEOG. Once limited SEOG funds have been awarded, no more money is available that year, so it is important to apply as early as possible. Awards are also determined by information on the FAFSA form.

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

New York State administers the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) for residents who attend college in the state. Eligibility is determined by several factors, including the families state net taxable income, and your full time enrollment at an approved institution. There are also income restrictions based on your status as a dependent or independent student, and your enrollment in a graduate or undergraduate program. Eligibility amounts vary from year to year depending upon the availability of funds. Your financial aid administrator can provide applications, details and help you determine whether your school and program qualify. The NYS Higher Education Services web site contains valuable information on the TAP program, and even has an award estimator for students considering an application for TAP.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarships.

The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the institution you attend and the number of hours you are enrolled in. Visit www.firn.edu/doe or call 1-888-827-2004 for additional details.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)

The Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG) consists of 3 separately funded student financial aid programs which are available to undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking Florida residents, who demonstrate substantial financial need. The Florida Public Student Assistance Grant is available to students who attend a Florida public college or university. The Florida Private Student Assistance Grant is available to students who attend an eligible Florida independent non-profit college or university that offers baccalaureate degrees. The Florida Postsecondary Student Assistance Grant is available to students who attend an eligible Florida private college or university which offers degrees and is not eligible under the Florida Private Student Assistance Grant. Awards vary based on the students financial need and are determined by information on the FAFSA.

Florida Resident Access Grant

The Florida Resident Access Grant is for Florida residents attending SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) accredited, private, Florida-based school. The grant is not based on need. Awards vary depending on funding appropriation. Contact the Financial Aid Office at the school for additional information and for an application.

Other State Aid Programs

Many states offer financial assistance to residents with financial need, and most also give awards based upon merit or achievement. Ask your financial aid administrator for complete information on those that may be available in your location.