All About College Grants for for 2026 - 2027

Grants are similar to scholarships in that they do not have to be repaid. The most common grants are made available through federal government and state agencies, and not private funds. The Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and National SMART Grant are among the most common grants available for college. To apply for all Federal Grants, you must complete a FAFSA.

The Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is one of the most familiar financial aid programs in the U.S. and is designed to help students with demonstrated financial need cover the cost of college. Unlike loans, this is money you don’t have to repay. It’s also strictly need-based—there are no GPA cutoffs or special academic requirements beyond attending an eligible school. If you’re unsure whether your school participates in the Pell Grant program, your financial aid office can tell you quickly.

Here are the basic eligibility criteria for a Federal Pell Grant:

• Are pursuing your first undergraduate degree
• Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program offered
• Are not incarcerated
• Do not owe a refund on a Title IV grant
• Are not in default on a Title IV loan
• Have registered with the Selective Service (if applicable)

CollegeWhale Tip: Not sure if your school is eligible for the Federal Pell Grant? Contact the financial aid office and ask if they participate in federal student aid programs. They can confirm eligibility and help you understand how to list the school correctly on your FAFSA.

Can Part-Time Students Receive a Pell Grant?

Part-time students can still qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, but the amount is adjusted based on how many credits you take. For example, students enrolled half-time or three-quarters time receive a reduced portion of their Pell eligibility. If you drop below half-time, you’ll usually lose access to Pell funds for that term. If you’re planning to start part-time or gradually increase your course load, talk with your financial aid office about how your enrollment plans could change your grant from semester to semester.

CollegeWhale Tip: Before changing your schedule, check in with a financial aid advisor. A quick conversation can help you avoid accidentally dropping below the enrollment level needed to keep your Pell Grant.

How Much Money Can I Get From a Pell Grant?

Pell Grant amounts can change each year, and the exact amount you receive is unique to your situation. Your award is based on several factors, including your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), your school’s cost of attendance, and whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time. Some schools apply Pell Grant funds directly to your tuition and fees, while others may issue a refund to you after your bill is paid. No matter the process, schools are required to disburse Pell Grant funds at least once per term and will outline when and how you’ll receive your money.

Several key factors determine how much Pell Grant funding you receive:

• Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC): This is calculated based on the information you provide in your FAFSA application, such as family income, assets, and household size.
• Cost of Attendance (COA): This includes tuition, fees, and other educational expenses like books, housing, and transportation.
• Your Enrollment Status: Full-time students generally receive more than part-time students.
• Duration of Enrollment: If you’re enrolled for a full academic year, you’ll likely receive the maximum amount you qualify for. If you only attend for part of the year, your grant will be prorated accordingly.

The way your school disburses your Pell Grant can also vary:

• Some schools apply your Pell Grant funds directly to your tuition and fees.
• Others disburse the funds directly to you in the form of a check or direct deposit.
• Schools are required to distribute funds at least once per term.

CollegeWhale Tip: Log in to your school’s financial aid portal regularly. You’ll usually find your Pell Grant award amount, disbursement dates, and how the money is being applied to your account—all in one place.

Additional Insights:

There are a few details about the Federal Pell Grant that many students don’t discover until later in their college journey:

• Lifetime Eligibility: Pell Grant funds are limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters (about six years).
• Summer Sessions: Pell Grants can sometimes be used for summer classes if you still have remaining eligibility.
• Special Circumstances: If your family’s financial situation changes significantly—such as a job loss or medical expenses—you can request a “professional judgment” review.

CollegeWhale Tip: Keep copies of award letters, emails from financial aid, and any documents you submit when your situation changes. They can be helpful if you ever need to appeal a decision.

The Federal Pell Grant is a powerful tool to make college more affordable. Understanding the eligibility rules and how funding is disbursed can help you take full advantage of it.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

A Federal SEOG Grant provides need-based financial assistance to low-income undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Since each school receives a limited pool of SEOG funds, not all eligible students will qualify. SEOG awards are typically reserved for students who qualify for a Pell Grant and have the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Who is Eligible for the Federal SEOG Grant?

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is designed for students with the greatest financial need. SEOG funding is not guaranteed—once a school distributes its allocated funds for the year, no more grants can be awarded. Because of this, Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFCs are given priority.

• Pell Grant Recipients: Priority is given to Pell-eligible students.
• Lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Students with the lowest EFCs receive first consideration.
• Student’s Income and Assets: Evaluated for independent students.
• Parents’ Income and Assets: Used for dependent students.
• Household Size: Larger households may qualify for lower EFCs.
• Number of Family Members in College: More family members enrolled can reduce EFC.

CollegeWhale Tip: File your FAFSA as early as possible. SEOG funds often run out quickly, and early filers get priority consideration.

Since SEOG funds are limited at every school, timing matters. Once a school’s SEOG budget is exhausted, no additional awards can be made until the next academic year.

National SMART Grant

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant supports students majoring in high-demand fields like science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and certain critical foreign languages. It offers up to $4,000 for full-time juniors and seniors who meet academic and financial criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA: Students must maintain strong academic performance.
• U.S. Citizenship: Required for eligibility.
• Pell Grant Eligibility: Students must qualify for a Pell Grant.
• Full-Time Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time in the 3rd or 4th year.
• Eligible Major: Must be in an approved STEM or critical language field.

CollegeWhale Tip: If you’re pursuing a STEM major, talk with your academic advisor early to make sure your coursework lines up with SMART Grant requirements before you reach your junior year.

How Much Can You Receive?

The SMART Grant offers up to $4,000 per year during your third and fourth years of undergraduate study. Actual award amounts depend on financial need, cost of attendance, and available program funding.

• Financial Need: SMART Grants supplement other aid, including Pell Grants.
• Cost of Attendance: Higher costs may increase eligible funding.
• Availability of Funds: SMART Grant funds can be limited each year.

CollegeWhale Tip: Check your major and GPA each semester to ensure you’re still meeting SMART Grant requirements—small academic changes can affect your eligibility.

Merit-Based Grants for College

Merit-based grants reward students for achievements such as academic excellence, leadership, artistic talent, athletic ability, or community involvement. Unlike strictly need-based aid, merit-based grants focus on accomplishment, though some programs also consider financial need as a secondary factor.

What Are Merit-Based Grants?

Merit-based grants typically require a mix of academic strength and personal achievements. Common criteria include:

• Strong GPA: Often 3.0 or higher.
• Leadership: Participation in school or community roles.
• Special Talents: Music, arts, athletics, or technical skills.
• Community Service: Involvement in volunteer or service projects.

These grants vary widely—some focus on academics, while others highlight specific skills or community engagement. States often offer their own merit-based programs to encourage strong students to stay in-state for college.

CollegeWhale Tip: Begin researching merit-based grants early in high school so you can tailor your activities and coursework toward programs that fit your strengths.

How Do Income Requirements Factor In?

While merit-based grants emphasize achievement, financial need can still influence decisions. If multiple applicants meet the same academic criteria, need often determines who receives the award. Many programs also support middle-income families who may not qualify for traditional need-based aid.

• High Achievers: May qualify regardless of income, but need can be a tiebreaker.
• Middle-Income Households: Merit-based aid can fill funding gaps.
• State Programs: Often blend merit and need factors.

CollegeWhale Tip: Even if you’re focused on merit-based programs, always complete the FAFSA—many organizations require it, even when need isn’t the main factor.

What Are Common Requirements for Merit-Based Grants?

Most merit-based programs include some combination of:

• GPA Requirements
• Transcripts and Essays
• Letters of Recommendation
• Residency Requirements
• Major or Career-Based Restrictions

Because these programs highlight personal achievement, tailor your application materials to clearly demonstrate why you’re a strong fit for each opportunity.

CollegeWhale Tip: Keep a running list of achievements, awards, and activities throughout high school and college. It makes building strong applications much easier.

Examples of Merit-Based Grant Opportunities:

• State Merit Grants: Programs like Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship or Florida’s Bright Futures.
• Corporate Grants: Companies like Coca-Cola and Intel offer competitive academic grants.
• Specialized Grants: Programs such as the National Merit Scholarship, based on standardized test performance.

Merit-based grants can significantly reduce the cost of college. Understanding the criteria and preparing early can help you secure these valuable awards.