To qualify for a merit-based college grant, you must have a good academic record. Some grant distributors measure your academic merit by looking at both your high school grade point average and standardized test scores, while others might consider only one or the other. You may qualify for some merit-based grants with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, though often the standard is as high as 3.5 or 3.75. Some organizations offer merit-based scholarships that also take other qualifications into account, such as financial circumstances and ethnicity.
Educational institutions, organizations and private trusts often award college grants to students who qualify as financially needy. Typically, you will qualify for this grant if your annual income (or your family's if you are a dependent) falls below a determined figure. If you are a college student in the United States, you may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. To qualify, you must complete a Federal Application for Financial Student Aid, which will estimate the amount of money your family can contribute to your education. If the cost of your school exceeds your family's expected contribution, you likely qualify for a Pell Grant. The amount you receive will vary depending on your income level and school cost.
Many private endowments exist to help minorities earn their college degrees. You may qualify for a grant based on your minority status if you are African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, or from another ethnic or racial minority group. You can also qualify for some minority grants if you are a woman. To find these grants, contact local minority interest groups and cultural organizations, and ask if they offer any grants for students like you. These organizations may also be able to supply you with information about grants for students of your race, ethnicity or gender from private endowments. Additionally, you should contact your college to find out whether it offers grants for minority students.
You can also qualify for a grant specific to your chosen academic discipline. Students pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, engineering or technology, for example, can qualify for the National SMART Grant and grants from organizations in those fields. Other study subjects that often provide grant money include nursing and teaching. Your college may have funds available in the form of grants or scholarships for students in your major or academic department as well. If you are an underrepresented student in your field, such as a member of a certain ethnic group or gender, you may qualify for even more grants that also take minority status into account.
You may face a number of challenges in your life that make financing your education more difficult. If you come from a single-parent household, for example, you may qualify for special grants through private and public corporations and organizations. Adult students, single parents and married students are also eligible for numerous financial awards. After completing your FAFSA online, contact your college or university and ask for help finding grants.