The Pell Grant is available to most everyone who attends college. It is a substantial, basic educational opportunity grant that does not discriminate based on your major or any other criteria except financial need. You apply for this grant when you fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Academic Competitive Grant (ACG) is an academic grant available to those going into one of their first two years in college and who are already receiving a Pell Grant. There are certain academic criteria expected in order to qualify for this grant, including participation in a "rigorous" high school curriculum. However, there are no exact grade requirements. First year students are eligible for up to $750, while second year students can get up to $1,300. This grant is applied for through the FAFSA.
The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a grant given based on financial need. It was designated to help those students, in particular, with the greatest financial need. Awards up to $4,000 are available, and the application is done through the FAFSA.
Most states have their own need-based grant programs. For example, the AlaskAdvantage Education Grant is a program providing state-matched dollars required for participation in the federal LEAP program (Leverage Educational Assistance Partnership Program). Awards are up to $2,000.
New York State has a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) that awards up to $5,000 to eligible New York state residents.
The New Mexico Student Incentive Grant awards between $200 and $2,500 annually to eligible New Mexico state residents.
Check with your state's department of education to see what grants your state offers. In order to qualify for most of these grants, you must first fill out the FAFSA.
Are you studying to become a chef, a teacher or an engineer? No matter what your major, there is probably a grant for it. Don't just inquire at your college (although you should do that too), get online and locate, for example, a local, regional or national association of chefs and find out if they offer a scholarship or grant. Most associations do, and if they don't, they can point you in the direction of someone who might.