A grant is "free" money for college that you do not have to pay back. You apply for the federal grants, and some state grants, listed below, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grants
Money for this program is supplied by the federal government and awarded by the school based on a student’s significant financial need. Awards depend in part on annual program funding, your eligibility and the cost of attending your school. The maximum award for the 2009-2010 school year is $5,350.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Money for this program is also supplied by the federal government and awarded by the school based on significant financial need. The maximum award is $4,000 per academic year, and awards vary by school.

Academic Competitiveness Grant
These grants are awarded to Pell Grant-eligible students who completed a rigorous program of student in high school and are in their first or second year of college. Awards are up to $750 for the first year of study and up to $1,300 for the second year of study. Your school determines your eligibility for this award.

National Science and Mathematics to Retain Talent Grant
Know as the SMART Grant, these awards go to students eligible for Pell Grants who major in physical, life or computer science, engineering, math, technology or a specific foreign language. Grant provides up to $4,000 for third, fourth and fifth years of study. Your school determines your eligibility for SMART Grants.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant
TEACH Grants awarded to students enrolled at participating schools and pursuing coursework to begin a career in teaching. For each year that you receive a TEACH Grant, you must serve as a full-time teacher for at least four years. If you fail to fulfill this required teaching service, you’ll be required to repay the TEACH Grant funds as a federal student loan.

State Grants

Alaska GEARUP Scholarship
These scholarships are available to Alaskan high school seniors, or students with an Alaskan diploma or GED, who participated in GEARUP programs in sixth, seventh or eight grades. For more information, contact the financial aid office at an Alaskan college or university or visit www.eed.state.ak.us/gearup/scholarship.html and select Grant Programs.

AlaskaAdvantage Education Grant
These grants are available to Alaska residents who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled at qualifying postsecondary institutions in Alaska. For more information, contact the financial aid office at an Alaskan college or university or visit www.akadvantage.alaska.gov select Grant Programs.

Cal Grants
California residents attending California schools may qualify for a range of grants funded by the state and administered by the California Student Aid Commission. Visit www.calgrants.org for more information.

Idaho State LEAP
This grant aids students attending an eligible public or private college or university within the state of Idaho, regardless of their state of residence. For more information, contact the Idaho institution you plan to attend or visit www.boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarship/leap.asp.

Oregon Opportunity Grants and Private Scholarship Awards
Oregon Opportunity Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need. The Oregon Student Assistance Commission also administers private scholarships for Oregon high school seniors and graduates. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. For more information, visit www.getcollegefunds.org.

Washington State Need Grants
Washington State Need Grants are for financially needy or disadvantaged Washington state residents. For more information, visit www.hecb.wa.gov/grants/index.asp.