The government Pell Grant is a need-based grant tied to your income. This grant provides assistance to lower income undergraduate and some post-baccalaureate students seeking higher education. As of September, 2010, 5,400 schools participated in the Federal Pell Grant Program. To qualify for the grant, a student must be enrolled full time and show a financial need. This need is determined by the student's and family's income as well as any other scholarships or grants the student might be receiving.
The U.S. Department of State offers Fulbright Grants. There are 15 different types of Fulbright grants. The main focus of this program is to help others in developing countries, either while receiving your education, or in return for your education. These grants are available to recent graduates, and those continuing their education in teaching and research.
The Academic Achievement Grant is an extension of the Federal Pell Grant. This grant awards up to $750 for the first year of college and $1,300 for the second year of college, as of September, 2010. To become eligible, the student must qualify for the Federal Pell Grant for the first year. In the second year, the student must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
The FSEOG Grant, or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, is another needs-based grant available to those wishing to go back to school. This award averages from $700 to $4,000, and is available at more than 4,000 institutions, as of September, 2010. An applicant's income determines the amount of the award.