Need-Based Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026


Find the best Need-Based scholarships and grants for the 2025 and 2026 school years, with our comprehensive, regularly updated database. Our Scholarship Database and Grant Database offers easy-to-use filters, along with up-to-date deadline and eligibility details to help you on your search for Need-Based scholarship opportunities.

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10,000 Degrees Scholarship

Name: 10,000 Degrees Scholarships Award Amount: Up to $1,500 per academic year Information and Eligibility: 10,000 Degrees is a nonprofit...

Tags: California, Need-Based Deadline: Rolling
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Louisiana GO Grant

Name: Louisiana GO Grant Award Amount: Provides a need-based grant with the award amount determined by your financial need and the cost of...

Tags: Louisiana, Need-Based Deadline: Rolling
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Hathaway Scholarship

Name: Hathaway Scholarship Award Amount: Honors Level: Up to $1,680 per semester. Performance Level: Up to $1,260 per semester. Opportunity...

Tags: Merit-Based, Need-Based, Wyoming Deadline: Rolling
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Michigan Competitive Scholarship

Name: Michigan Competitive Scholarship Award Amount: Up to $1,500 per academic year. Overview: The Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS)...

Tags: Merit-Based, Michigan, Need-Based Deadline: July
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South Carolina Need-based Grant

Name: South Carolina Need-based Grant Award Amount: Up to $3,500 annually for full-time students. Up to $1,750 annually for part-time...

Tags: Need-Based, South Carolina Deadline: Rolling
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Boiler Affordability Grant

Name: Boiler Affordability Grant Award Amount: Varies; covers the remaining cost of tuition, fees, and estimated book expenses after accounting...

Tags: Indiana, Need-Based Deadline: Rolling
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Frank O’Bannon Grant

Name: Frank O’Bannon Grant Award Amount: Varies based on financial need and the type of Indiana institution attended. Information and...

Tags: Indiana, Need-Based Deadline: April
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José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Name: José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund Award Amount: $2,000 per academic year, renewable for up to three years. Information and...

Tags: Florida, Need-Based Deadline: April
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Florida First Generation Matching Grant Program

Name: First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) Award Amount: Varies based on financial need and available funding. Information and...

Tags: Florida, Need-Based Deadline: July
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Florida Student Assistance Grant Program

Name: Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG) Award Amount: Varies based on financial need and available funding. Information and...

Tags: Florida, Need-Based, Undergraduate Studies Deadline: July
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Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program

Name: Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP) Award Amount: Varies based on available funding and financial need. Information and...

Tags: Delaware, Need-Based Deadline: May
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Delaware Governors Workforce Development Grant

Name: Governor’s Workforce Development Grant Award Amount: Varies based on available funding and individual financial need. Information and...

Tags: Delaware, Need-Based Deadline: Rolling

Fast Answers: Need-Based Scholarships and Grants.

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.

College Scholarships By Category.

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state specific scholarships, major specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships, specific to your personal criteria.