Think of grants as money that, under most circumstances, does not have to be repaid. Eligibility for most grants is established using information you submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can begin filing the FAFSA in January before classes begin in the Fall. Contact your financial aid office for specific deadlines. Part-time students are eligible for many of the same Federal and State grants awarded to students attending class full time.

Federal Pell Grant
Undergraduate students receive Federal Pell Grants based on income, college costs, and student enrollment status. The Pell Grant is a need-based grant and doesn't have a GPA requirement. You can apply for a Pell Grant every year you're in school. Find more information on the Pell Grant here.

Academic Competitiveness Grants and SMART Grants
Unless you are enrolled in a degree program, you are not eligible for an Academic Competitiveness Grant or a SMART Grant. If you do decide to enroll in a 2-year or 4-year degree program, click here for more information these grants and other aid that is available to students seeking a degree.

State Grants
Many states have individual state grant programs. Generally, you apply for these programs using the FAFSA. Contact your school for more details.

Institutional Grants
Schools often award institutional grants as part of the student's financial aid package. Funding for institutional grants can come from the Federal government in the form of Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or directly from the school's funding. These grants are awarded based on information you provide on the FAFSA. You must also meet all applicable school deadlines

The first step to applying for most grants is to fill out a FAFSA. You can complete and submit the form online. Look for the FAFSA to be available in mid-October. You can complete the FAFSA and submit it beginning in January for the academic year that begins in the Fall.