Federal Pell Grants are the most accessible grants for married college students. They are available for all undergraduate students who have not earned a professional or advanced degree. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the amount of assistance is dependent upon financial need determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The maximum award is $5,500 per school year.
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program is a grant option for married college students interested in a teaching career. This grant is specifically for students who intend to teach in public or private schools that serve low-income families. Students who are willing to meet the service commitment are awarded up to $4,000 per year.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, FSEOG, can be used by married college students. Students who have already received a Pell Grant are eligible for the program and can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year to meet additional funding needs. The amount awarded is dependent upon financial need, the time of year the application is made and the funding and financial-aid policies of the educational institution.
Married students pursuing a college degree in a science, mathematics, technology, engineering or critical foreign language field could be eligible for the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant, the National SMART Grant. This grant is given as an additional funding option to third- and fourth-year students who are eligible for the Pell Grant.
Married college students should also check with their educational institution for available grants. Institutions are able to provide additional funding for married students to help meet the financial needs that remain after federal student loans and grants. Institutions are also able to offer merit scholarships for students with outstanding academic achievement, regardless of their financial situation.