Idaho Educational Opportunity Center




 

 

 

Financial Aid Options
How to Apply for Them

Pell Grants / Supplemental Grants / Scholarships/ Grant Applications

Grants and scholarships are gifts of money to pay college costs. They need not be repaid. Federal grants are based on financial need. Scholarships may also be based on financial need, but often they are awarded to students with specific skills or interests.

Federal Pell Grants
Any undergraduate college student who hasn't already received a bachelor's degree can apply for a federal Pell Grant. Awards are based on financial need, and amounts vary annually. The maximum grant for the 2008-2009 school year is $4,731. To apply, complete a Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA), available from from your Idaho EOC Advisor,  college financial aid offices, or online. (We've got some tips about filling out the online FAFSA if you've not used the online application before.)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Eligibility for these grants is the same as for Pell Grants: any undergraduate college student who hasn't already received a bachelor's degree can apply. Awards are based on financial need and range up to $4,731. To apply, complete a Free Application for Federal Student aid (FAFSA), available from any Idaho EOC office, college financial aid offices, or online. (We've got some tips about filling out the online FAFSA if you've not used the online application before.) You may also have to complete additional forms; ask your college. 

Scholarships  (Beware of Scams)
In addition to grants, scholarships are the other major form of financial aid that need not be repaid. Scholarships generally should be considered as supplements, however. They are competitive, and funds are limited. Apply for other forms of aid first.
   Whenever you're searching for scholarships, beware of scholarship scams. Every year thousands of students and their families lose millions of dollars to scholarship fraud.    

Financial Aid Applications
You will need to fill out and submit applications for financial aid if you want to receive grants, loans, or
scholarships. Many of these forms are now available online so you can apply electronically rather than mail in a paper application. Check with your school or college to make sure you fill out all necessary forms.
   Your eligibility for aid is based on the information you provide on the applications. Fill them out carefully. We highly recommend that you print a copy of any application you complete online. There is usually a print option at the end of the application.

For some tips on filling out FAFSA on the Web, click here

Thanks to the State of Virginia for sharing their FAFSA Tips.