Why Student Grants Still Matter
Unlike student loans, grants don’t require repayment. In a time when tuition and living costs are rising across the U.S., student grants remain a vital tool for Americans pursuing higher education.
Whether you’re attending a four-year college, community college, or a vocational program, state-based grants in the U.S. are one of the best ways to ease your financial burden—especially as federal deadlines (like FAFSA) shift each year.
What Are Student Grants in the USA?
Student grants are need-based or merit-based financial awards given to eligible students. The U.S. Department of Education offers many federal grants, but states often provide additional grant aid, sometimes exceeding federal offers.
Learn more directly on the Federal Student Aid website
Key Types of Student Grants in the USA
1.Pell Grant (still active in 2025)
- Offers up to $7,395/year
- Based on financial need
- Apply via FAFSA
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Up to $4,000/year
- For students with extreme financial need
- Learn more: FSEOG official page
3. TEACH Grant
- Up to $4,000/year
- Requires teaching in high-need areas after graduation
- See terms: TEACH Grant Info
4. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
- For children of military personnel who died in service
- Check eligibility: Iraq/Afghanistan Grants
State-Wise Student Grant Programs
Each U.S. state offers independent grant programs, often with residency requirements and application deadlines.
California
- Cal Grant (up to full tuition for UC/CSU schools)
- Apply via California Student Aid Commission
- Requires FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application
- Learn more: Cal Grant Types
Texas
- TEXAS Grant (Toward Excellence, Access, & Success Grant)
- Supports tuition for eligible students attending public universities
- Info and eligibility: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
New York
- TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
- Up to $5,665/year for NYS residents
- Must attend approved NY institutions
- Apply: HESC TAP Page
Florida
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)
- Need-based
- Offered at state public/private colleges
- Info: Florida Department of Education
Illinois
MAP Grant (Monetary Award Program)
- For low-income Illinois residents
- Used at over 100 institutions
- Apply through FAFSA
- Official source: ISAC MAP Grant
Georgia
HOPE Grant & Zell Miller Grant
- For students pursuing a diploma or certificate
- No high school GPA requirement
- Learn more: GA Futures
Ohio
OCOG (Ohio College Opportunity Grant)
- For Pell-eligible, low-income students
- Apply through FAFSA
- Program details: Ohio Higher Ed Site
Michigan
Michigan Achievement Scholarship (New as of 2023–2025)
- Up to $5,500/year at public universities
- Residency and FAFSA required
- Info: MI Student Aid
North Carolina
NC Need-Based Grant & NC Education Lottery Scholarship
- Awarded through FAFSA
- Available for in-state residents
- Learn more: CFNC Financial Aid
Washington
Washington College Grant
- Up to full tuition for eligible residents
- Flexible for part-time and low-income students
- Info: WSAC Grants Page
Important Tips for Students
- FAFSA opens October 1 each year (now optimized for mobile)
- Apply as early as possible to get state funding before it runs out
- Reapply every year even if your financial situation hasn’t changed
- Use the official FAFSA site: https://studentaid.gov
How to Find Grants Specific to Your College
Most colleges also offer institutional grants funded by donors or internal aid packages. These are often need-based or merit-based and require separate applications.
Use the college’s financial aid website or contact your aid office directly.
Example:
- University of Michigan Grant Info: https://finaid.umich.edu
- UCLA Financial Aid: https://www.financialaid.ucla.edu
Beware of Scams
Always apply through official websites—never pay to apply for grants.
Use official sites like:
- https://studentaid.gov
- https://www.usa.gov/education
- https://www.grants.gov (for research or non-student grants)
Final Thoughts: Why Student Grants Still Work
Student grants in the U.S. are changing state by state, but they remain one of the most reliable ways to avoid debt and still pursue higher education in 2025.
From federal Pell Grants to state-specific programs like Cal Grant and TAP, there are dozens of options—but only if you act on time.
Tip: Start with FAFSA and then check your state education department website