Need-Based Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026

What Are Some Federal Grants Based on Need?

Federal grants based on need include the Pell Grant, which provides financial aid to low-income undergraduate students, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which helps students with exceptional financial need. The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is also available for students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service.

Do Need-Based Scholarships Need to Be Paid Back?

No, need-based scholarships and grants do not need to be paid back, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and use the funds for their intended purpose. These awards are considered “gift aid” and are designed to make college more affordable.

What Need-Based Scholarships and Grants Are Available for College Students?

Need-based scholarships and grants for college students include the Pell Grant, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship, and the Horatio Alger Scholarship. Many universities also offer institutional need-based aid, such as the Harvard Financial Aid Initiative or Stanford’s need-based scholarships.

What Are the Requirements for Need-Based Scholarships?

Requirements for need-based scholarships typically include:

• Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a similar financial aid application.
• Demonstrating financial need based on family income and other factors.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the scholarship provider or institution.

Are There Need-Based Scholarships for International Students?

Yes, international students can apply for need-based scholarships at universities like Amherst College, Yale University, and Harvard University, which offer financial aid packages that meet 100% of demonstrated need. Some organizations, such as the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, also provide need-based aid for international students.

What Is Need-Based Financial Aid?

Need-based financial aid includes grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and subsidized loans provided to students based on their family’s financial circumstances. The goal is to make higher education accessible to students who might not otherwise afford it.

What Are Need-Based Grants?

Need-based grants include federal options like the Pell Grant and FSEOG, as well as state programs such as the Cal Grant (California) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). Many colleges and universities also offer institutional grants to meet demonstrated financial need.

Which Universities Offer Need-Based Scholarships?

Many universities offer need-based scholarships, including Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, which meet 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students. Other institutions, such as the University of Chicago and Amherst College, also provide generous need-based financial aid packages.