Most universities offer institution-specific grants to incoming and returning students. Requirements and eligibility criteria vary but the most common requirement is demonstrated financial need. Other criteria can include community service and academic performance. Contact the university's financial aid office and speak to or meet with a financial aid officer. They offer the best institution-specific grant knowledge and can guide students through the application process.
Many university students qualify for the most common and basic federal grant, the Pell Grant. Eligibility is based on the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) derived from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Support includes money, gifts, loans, housing, food, clothes, car, medical and dental care and payment of college costs, according to FinAid.org.
Students complete the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov with their families' previous year tax returns and receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days of completion. In 2010-2011, students with EFCs up to $5,273 can receive up to $5,500 in federal Pell Grants.
University students entering specific professions or needing additional assistance beyond the Pell Grant may be eligible for five types of specialized federal grants. TEACH grants provide university students in elementary or secondary education majors with grant money if they commit to four years of teaching in under-served areas upon graduation. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) partners with 4,000 universities to provide further aid to very low-income students. The National SMART grant provides third- and fourth-year university students in science, math, engineering and some foreign language programs with additional aid. Beginning in July 2010, the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants provide funds to veterans of these wars. Students in "rigorous programs of study" in secondary school can apply for Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG).