Free Online Grant Applications

Free Online Grant Applications

If you're a student seeking money for college, one of the options (and for some, the only option) you have is a grant. A grant is a federal fund given to a student based on his economic need. Unlike student loans, a grant doesn't have to be paid back after you graduate from college. The money is given to you freely without any obligations to repay what you received.

A grant is also different from a scholarship in that scholarships are often given based on merit. A grant, on the other hand, is based solely on the student's need for financial assistance, using the guidelines set up by the Federal Government.

One of the most reliable resources for free online grant applications for students is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the FAFSA ran by the Department of Education. The FAFSA Program at FAFSA.ed.gov offers general student aid information and free online grant applications for students seeking grant sources.

The site lists the criteria and important documentations that you need in order to qualify for their free online grant applications, along with deadlines and other pertinent information.

Below are some tips to help get free online grant applications without delay:

Read the Instructions

The FAFSA website offers free online grant applications forms for download. After downloading the form, you will need to fill it up before submitting it for approval. As you're filling up the form, be sure to read the instructions carefully.

Many questions on the free online grant applications forms are straightforward. You may be asked for your Social Security Number or your driver's license, and other such documentation. But there are also questions that are asked specifically for purposes of student financial aid. Common words like “household,” “investments,” and even “parent” may have special meaning. That's why you need to read all instructions in your free online grant applications discriminately.

Apply Early

State and school deadlines for free online grant applications will vary and tend to be early. Also, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) will process your FAFSA free online grant applications if received on or before this deadline. So make sure to check with your school to find out the exact deadline dates.

Note that to actually receive aid from ED, your school must have correct, complete FAFSA information on your free online grant applications before your last day of enrollment.

Complete your Tax Return

One important document that is required in your free online grant applications is your tax return (or if you are a dependent student, your parents'). It is recommended that you complete your tax return before filling out your FAFSA to make the whole free online grant applications process easier for you. If you have not filed your tax return yet, you can still submit your free online grant applications but you must provide income and tax data. Once you file your tax return, you must correct any income or tax information that changed.

Additional Forms

Many schools and states rely on the FAFSA as the single free online grant application for student aid. However, your school or state may require additional forms. To find out what these forms are, just check with your state agency and the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend.