How to Find a College Grant in 2013
If you’re looking for a college grant for 2013, you’ve come to the right place. College tuition is always going up. Fortunately, there is help available to pay for college. Applying for college grants is simple and in 2013, millions of dollars will be awarded to students in the form of college grants, which do not have to be repaid.
This means big savings to students who receive college grants vs. those who take out student loans. Students who take out loans eventually have to pay the money back, plus interest. With college grants, the money is considered a gift. The payments go directly to the college or university where the students are enrolled and go toward things such as tuition, fees, and other expenses associated with attending college.
In order to apply for a college grant in 2013, you should first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Applicants can either print a hard copy or fill out the form online. For the online version, applicants need to create a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Applying for College Grants in 2013
At the time of completing the form, applicants should have their social security number, driver’s license number, and tax returns as well as their parents’ tax returns ready. That’s why you and your parents should file your 2012 tax returns as quickly as possible in order to make sure you are all ready for the 2013 college grant application process.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your Alien Registration Number. Other foreigners studying in the United States will not be eligible for most college grants. However, if you are a foreign student on an F1, F2, J1, J2 or G series visa holder you can still completed the FAFSA form and continue your search for college aid that may be available in specific cases. Check your college or university’s financial aid offices for more details.
The 2013 FAFSA Contact Information
If you have any troubles with completing the FAFSA forms, you can call 1-800-4-FED-AID. (1-800-433-3243) or visit studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa
Kinds of College Grants and Scholarships Available in 2013
The first college grant that eligible students generally receive after completing the FAFSA forms is the Pell Grant. It is important for students to also investigate college grants from their state of residence, too.
Some students who receive the Pell Grant find that they still need further help to pay for college and associated expenses. That’s why they can also apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
If these college grants are still not sufficient to help fill the gap, students can also apply for the Sallie Mae Unmet Need Scholarship. The Sallie Mae helps low-income students with an additional $1,000 to $3,800 per eligible student.
In 2013, there are also some areas of study that have specific federal college grants and financial aid. In a particular, nurses, teachers, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians should apply for these programs. Check out math grants, engineering grants, TEACH Grants for education majors, and the Nursing Scholarship Program for more details.
Completing the FAFSA Form in 2013 for College Grants
After you submit your FAFSA, the Federal Government will calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and send you a Student Aid Report (SAR) containing the EFC details. Once you receive the EFC, look it over and make sure that all the information is complete and correct. The amount of financial aid you will receive depends on your EFC, unless you are also applying to merit-based grants and scholarships. Your next step is to talk to a representative at the financial aid offices of your college or university. Many private universities, whose tuition would otherwise be out of reach to low-income students, have large endowments to help students who require financial assistance to attend their institution. Your college of choice, whether private or public, may have additional financial aid available. You should bring a copy of your records with you to double-check in case some of that free college money is available for you.
How Much are College Grants worth in 2013
The financial aid offices of your college will examine your EFC in order to figure out how much money you will be granted. The cost of attending college, less your EFC equals your financial need. Here are the maximum amounts of the college grants you may receive from the Federal Government: (1) the Pell Grant: $5,550 (2) the FSEOG: $4,000 (3) the Sallie Mae Unmet Need Scholarship: $3,800.
Sometimes emergencies also happen in your family. Maybe one of your parents loses a job, has a medical emergency or there is otherwise a big drop in your family’s income. What happens then? You need to return to the college financial aid office If there are unusual circumstances such as large medical bills or a steep drop in family income.
Remember to apply for local state college grants and local state scholarships, too. During your junior year of high school, you should also check with the department in charge of the major you intend to study. There are usually departmental scholarships awarded every year to the top candidates applying in each major. This requires advance planning, which is why it is important to find out during your junior year. That way you will be prepared when you apply for such scholarships during your senior year of high school. Additionally, many high school students qualify for college scholarships from their parents’ employers, professional organizations, unions, faith-based organizations, and other sources. During your junior year of high school check for such opportunities as well.
How to Receive College Grant Money in 2013
The money due from college grants will go directly to the college you attend. First, the college will apply the money toward your tuition and fees. Next, it can be applied toward room and board, if appropriate. If there is any college grant money remaining, you can use it toward other educational expenses. If you will be studying at college or university in 2013, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to receive the 2013 college grant money distributions so complete your FAFSA form early.
