Besides FAFSA, are there any legitimate grant programs out there?
FAFSA isn’t a grant program. It’s an app for fed aid. Lowish income students qualify for a small fed grant.
But to answer your question. Not really… The other grants are from universities.
You’re looking at UTx as an OOS student? Don’t expect much/any aid as an OOS
I already knew that FAFSA wasn’t a grant program. I haven’t applied to UTx; I’m just looking for colleges as part of a general search, but it caught my attention because of a particular program. I’m looking for grants from a college but from those of outside organizations.
So mom2collegekids are there any organizational or outside grants?
Lots of states have “legitimate” grant programs for their residents, although application is usually through the FAFSA.
Are you asking about organizational or outside scholarships (another name for a grant)? If so, the answer is yes.
However, BelknapPoint I am not looking to apply for scholarship competitions and the like. I just want to see if there are outside organizations that are willing to award people money based on their financial needs. This is outside the real m of FAFSA and state programs.
There aren’t many good-sized scholarships from private entities. The ones that exist are hard to win, and often have some component that may not fit you…low income, ethnicity, etc.
Private entities don’t have a lot of incentive to be handing out large awards without some sort of tie or need.
What do you mean by tie or need?
Qualifications.
What are some examples of private entities that offer such?
Are you looking for non-competitive outside scholarships? Like something you automatically qualify for like the Pell grant? If so, I don’t think any exist…
Do fellowships help with your tuition?
I know that is later in the undergrad years but just looking ahead.
Any outside organization that provides funds for education, whether need-based or merit-based, will require that you submit an application if you want their money. Otherwise, how will they know if you are qualified? Yes, there are outside organizations that are willing to award people money based on their financial need. But you have to submit an application to prove that you have financial need. In the case of one local organization that I am familiar with, that application consists of the FAFSA and a one page form. If you want to look for similar organizations in your area, start with your high school guidance office.
fellowships are usually for grad students.
I don’t really understand if you are asking if there is another universal type application like FAFSA where one app can work for several different types of student funding - government grants, loans, school grants - or if you are wondering if there is an organization - like Elks, American Legion - which give out non-competitive grants based on need. I think the answer to both is no, that the feds and states tend to give grants based on need, and the private organizations that give out grants usually base them heavily on grades, community service, special skills (photography, art, music). There are organizations that the parents may be associated with that give grants (employer, club)
Thank you @twoinanddone
Okay…I"ll take a stab at this…It sounds like you are asking if there are outside organizations that give away scholarship money based purely on need. Probably some, but most will want you to do or demonstrate one or the more of the following:
- A minimal GPA
- Talent (sport, music, art, etc.)
- Essay
- Volunteer hours
- Membership in some organization
- Ethnicity
- Interview
Obviously, at the very least you will have to fill out some form of application. And if it is based on need they may require you to prove that need (such as the FAFSA, or eligibility for some government program that shows need).
But these outside scholarships are not “automatic” they will always be competitive. Obviously, some more competitive than others. Most will be small (a few hundred or couple thousand), and most will be non-renewable (i.e. you get it for this year, but you’d have to reapply next year and you may/may not get it).
The hoops you have to “jump through” can be anything from a simple application to several rounds and lots of essays, interviews, etc.
There are online scholarship search engines (search “college scholarships”) to help you in your search as well as your own counseling office.
Oh, I get it!
Do we know of any outside organizations that will give HUGE amounts of money to needy students.
In a word: no.
There are the industrial giants like Coke and Ford but they require FAFSA and mountains of paperwork A lot of them restrict it to URM (underrepresented American minority students), National Merit winners, or to being the child of an employee.