All undergraduate students are considered for a Pell Grant when they file for financial aid. The amount that you receive is dependent on your income. If you are under 24 at the time that you apply, it is also dependent on your parents' income. The amount received will also depend on whether you are a full-time or part-time student and how long you plan to stay in school. A student who is under 24 and has lost a parent who fought in the Iraq or Afghanistan war since Sept. 11, 2001, is automatically eligible for a Pell Grant in the maximum amount. The maximum amount as of 2010 is $5,550, according to the Department of Education's website.
If you qualify for a Pell Grant and are deemed by the Department of Education as having "exceptional financial need" because of your low-income status, you are eligible for the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. The grant ranges from $100 to $4,000 per academic year. As with the Pell Grant, you must apply for financial aid to find out if you qualify. If you do qualify, you will automatically receive the grant as a refund from your school's financial aid office. According to the Department of Education's website, the FSEOG qualification also varies from school to school depending on your school's grants policies.
Students with junior and senior standing whomajor in math, technology, science and certain foreign languages and carry a grade point average of 3.0 or better qualify for the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. The grant pays up to $4,000 for each year the student is eligible. To be eligible, you have to take at least one class that pertains to your major per semester.
Each state has its own educational grant programs. For example, the Oregon Opportunity Grant gives students up to $2,721 per year for living expenses. Check with your financial aid office at your college to see which grants are available through your school.