1. Grants and Scholarships

2. Scholarships What kinds of scholarships are available? Some scholarships for college are merit- based. Other scholarships are based on financial need. Many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people.

3. Scholarships What kinds of scholarships are available? A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition. It might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, its worth applying for, because itll help reduce the cost of your education.

4. Scholarships When do I apply for scholarships? That depends on each scholarships deadline. Some deadlines are as early as a year before college starts. Do not give up

5. Scholarships How do I apply for scholarships? Each scholarship has its own requirements. The scholarships website should give you an idea. Make sure you read the application carefully.

6. Grants Grants and scholarships are the most desirable types of funding you can receive. The most popular grants are broken down by the federal, state and college level. Do your research. Student loans should always be kept at a minimum

7. Grants Applying for Grants Filling out a FAFSA. The neediest students will be eligible for the most grant funding on the federal level. Grants from private groups will often have an application process.

8. Grants Federal Grants The most popular federal grant is the Pell Grant. These grants go primarily to undergraduates. The grants are dependent on federal funding. The maximum Pell grant for the 2013-2014 school year is $5,635.

9. Grants Federal Grants Those found eligible for Pell Grants may also receive funding through other grants. Pell recipients may also be eligible for the Academic Competitiveness Grant.

10. Grants State Sponsored Grants Most states offer grants to students based on specific criteria. The Illinois Future Teacher Corps (IFTC) Program. Education and Training Vouchers for Youths Aging Out of Foster Care program.

11. Grants State Sponsored Grants Contact state-based educational organizations, local higher education assistance foundations, your high school and your intended college. Scholarship searches.

12. Grants College-Based Grants Most colleges will have a pool of funding available to assist low-income students. Grants may also be awarded based on merit, field of study or other characteristics specific to the student. College-based grants may change from year to year.

13. Grants Career Specific Grants Grants awarded to students interested in pursuing a particular career have become more common. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.

14. Grants Career Specific Grants Grants targeting nursing students include the Nursing Scholarship Program. Both teachers and nurses also have a number of scholarship opportunities available to them.

15. Grants Grants by Degree Level Most grants target undergraduates. High school students rely on scholarships and grants to cover tuition. Incoming freshmen with a better idea of what they would like to study, or who have a particular talent theyll be pursuing on the college level, may be eligible for other grants.

16. Grants Grants by Degree Level Grants for graduate students are harder to find. If youre a returning student, check with your employer. Often, private companies will offer scholarship and grant opportunities for employees looking to further their educations.

17. Grants Student Specific Grant Grants exist for nearly every characteristic you can think of. Make a list of what makes you special. The most common student specific grants are those available to minorities.

18. Grants Student Specific Grant The United Negro College Fund for African Americans. Students with disabilities also have many options. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975.

19. Grants Unique Grants As scholarships come in all wacky shapes and sizes, so do grants. Think about what makes you stand out. Consider contacting local organizations if the field of study youre pursuing in college is a unique one.

20. Grants Academic Competitiveness Grant National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART). If youre also a Federal Pell Grant recipient, contact your colleges financial aid office for more information.

21. Grants What is an ACG? The award was first disbursed for the 2006-2007 school year. The program is both need- and merit- based. Determine whether youre eligible for the TEACH Grant and how much funding you could be eligible to receive.

22. Grants Who may be eligible for ACG Grants Are you eligible? Such programs include Honors, IB or AP courses. Those who are found to be eligible during their sophomore year of college must also maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

23. Grants How much money can I get? Students can get up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. That amount is subject to change.

24. Grants Do I need to know anything else? As of July 1, 2009, the Secretary of Education will not be adding new programs to the list of those programs considered rigorous. That list is still subject to change, however, if a program official lobbies for a particular programs inclusion on that list.

25. Grants Grants for survivors Beating a tough illness is difficult enough without worrying about how youre going to pay for college. The Cancer Survivors' Fund. There are also a number of cancer scholarships available.

26. Grants Grants for international students International students looking to study here arent out of luck when it comes to finding funding. Fulbright Scholar Program through the Council for International Exchange for Scholars.

27. Bright Futures Florida resident U.S. citizen eligible non-citizen Complete the Florida Financial Aid Application Florida high school diploma Not have been found guilty of, or pled nolo contendere to, a felony charge earn at least 24 semester credit hours