Grants, scholarships and awards come from several sources, including the college, state and commonwealth governments, and the federal government. Other sources include funding from corporations, unions, trust funds, religious and fraternal organizations, and other associations.

Grants, scholarships and awards are “free money,” and do not have to be paid back. You should always explore all the free money opportunities available to you before taking out a student loan.


Grants, Scholarships and Awards
Grants
Federal Pell GrantFederal Pell Grants are given to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need as demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental
Educational Opportunity
Grant (FSEOG)		The FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; students who receive Federal Pell Grants have priority. FSEOGs are awarded by a college's financial aid office based on information in the FAFSA.
Academic Competitiveness
Grant and National SMART
Grant Programs

    ▪ National Academic
    Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

    ▪ National Science and
    Mathematics Access to
    Retain Talent Grant (SMART)
The federal Academic Competitiveness Grant and National SMART Grant Programs provide funding for qualified undergraduate students majoring in mathematics, science, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language.

The ACG applies in the first and second years of college and the SMART applies in the third and fourth years.

TEACH GrantThe TEACH Grant program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
State and Commonwealth Scholarships and Awards
Flight 3407 Memorial ScholarshipsFlight 3407 Memorial Scholarships provide financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed as a direct result of the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009.
Flight 587 Memorial
Scholarships		The Flight 587 Memorial Scholarships guarantee access to a college education for the families and financial dependents of victims of the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 on November 12, 2001.
Military Service Recognition
Scholarship (MSRS)		The Military Service Recognition Scholarship provides financial aid to children, spouses and financial dependents of members of the armed forces of the United States or of a state organized militia who, at any time on or after Aug. 2, 1990, while a New York State resident, died or became severely and permanently disabled while engaged in hostilities or training for hostilities. For study in New York State.
NYS World Trade Center
Memorial Scholarship		The NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship program guarantees access to a college education to the families and financial dependents of the victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts.
Various State and Puerto Rico Grant, Award, and Scholarship ProgramsA variety of state governments and the government of Puerto Rico administer grant, scholarship and award programs based on financial need, type of study, academic merit, artistic or athletic talent, and other factors. Explore these and other opportunities for free money before applying for loans.
Items of Additional Interest
Grants from CollegesColleges provide institutional grants to help make up the difference between college costs and what a family can be expected to contribute through income, savings, loans, and student earnings. Awards may be based on academic merit, artistic or athletic talent, financial need or other factors. You can learn more about the types of grants awarded by each college at their web sites.