Pursuing higher education can be a great financial burden for many students in the United States. However, there are various forms of financial aid available to help alleviate this burden. Grants, in particular, offer a fantastic opportunity for students to fund their education without incurring debt. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid, making them an attractive option for college students. In this article, we will explore the best grants for college students in the USA in 2024 among other relevant information.
About College Grants
College grants are financial aids by various organizations that enable students to meet all or part of the costs of tuition at certain colleges or universities. A grant is different from a loan because it is awarded to the grantee and does not have to be paid back. These grants can originate from federal programs, other government agencies, and private providers, including professional societies, private clubs, and even universities. A grant, which may be used with scholarship interchangeably, can be available based on an individual’s financial status, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Also, grants or scholarships may be given depending on achievement scores, parental connection, or the field of study. There are also some grants that are given out under certain conditions.
General Eligibility Requirements for Grants for College Students in the USA
There are certain grants that come with some conditions attached to it. Some conditions include financial need in order to help low to moderate-income families pay for postsecondary education. Every grant program has its specific rules concerning family income levels and required contributions. Government grants usually take into consideration the existing tuition fees of the school as well as the financial capability of the student or the family. To qualify for government education grants, students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
After completing the FAFSA, the university’s financial aid office applies the gathered information together with the costing structure of the school to determine the student’s eligibility to receive federal grants. The FAFSA also assists in determining one’s eligibility for other types of grants. Any grants that the student is eligible for will be incorporated into the financial aid package under preparation by the university. But there is one grant that needs a separate application and that is the TEACH Grant. This grant requires the recipients to commit to teaching a high-need academic subject at a Title I school for four years after graduation. Application for this grant must be made to the financial aid office of the institution. Other grants in the form of scholarships have their set criteria by the university or the organization awarding the grant.
Best Grants For College Students in the USA in 2024
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2024 Baylor University Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends | Health Insurance
Baylor University’s Graduate School provides extensive assistance to its students. A large number of incoming Ph. D. students are offered full tuition remission, multi-year research or teaching assistantship, and an 80% waiver of student insurance. Further, most Ph. D. students can be involved in important research activities and thus boost their academic and career growth.
The level of support offered in Master’s programs may range from partial tuition scholarships to full tuition remission, as well as stipends. Through these financial rewards, the costs of education are reduced thus allowing students to pay more attention to their studies and research. Additionally, there are fellowships, grants and awards offered by Baylor University to celebrate and encourage outstanding academic performance and to fund distinctive research projects. These outstanding and multi-faceted benefits clearly indicate Baylor’s dedication to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning experience for its graduate students.
Eligibility Criteria Baylor University Graduate Scholarship
- Meet the admission requirements for a Master’s or PhD program at the university.
- Satisfy the requirement of English language proficiency of the institution.
- Be in possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized tertiary institution.
- You should be ready to produce a certified transcript on demand.
Application Guide for Baylor University Graduate Scholarship
To apply for the 2024 Baylor University Graduate Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should follow these steps:
- First, learn more about Baylor University by checking the information on the website.
- Also, apply for Master’s or Ph. D. graduate program.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit the application fee (note some professional programs do not charge an application fee).
- Enclosed are copies of the unofficial transcripts, which are acceptable for application purposes.
- In case of admission with unofficial transcripts, you should forward the official ones to Baylor to confirm your admission status.
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Capital University Main Street Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Reward: $100,000 Grant
Every year, Capital University, situated in Ohio in the United States of America, provides entrance scholarships to students globally. This is because, at Capital University, approximately 99% of the first-year, full-time undergraduate international students are offered some form of merit-based scholarship. These scholarships are meant to reward high performers and help talented students with financial difficulties to afford education. To ensure it meets the needs of the growing international student population, the university offers notable financial assistance to these students so they can fulfil their educational dreams.
Eligibility Criteria for Capital University Main Street Scholarship
To be considered for the Capital University Main Street Scholarship, you must:
- Be a new applicant to Capital University.
- Apply as a first-time undergraduate student.
- Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
- Optional: Submit an SAT score of at least 970 or an ACT score of 21.
Capital University is test-optional, so while you may submit standardized test scores, they are not required.
Application Guide for Capital University Main Street Scholarship
If you want to apply for the Capital University Main Street Scholarship, you should:
- Apply for undergraduate admission to Capital University.
- Complete and submit either the online application or the Common Application.
- Submit your transcripts and, if desired, official ACT or SAT scores.
- For assistance, contact the Admission Office at 614-236-6101 or email admission@capital.edu.
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2024 Women in Finance Scholarship (FINCAD)
Deadline: June 14, 2024
Reward: $20,000 Grants
This $20,000 Women in Finance Scholarship is intended for capable women who wish to further their education at the graduate level, specifically in finance, and are particularly interested in financial asset management and market risk management, among others specified on the website.
It began in 2014 as the FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship and has been extended after Numerix bought FINCAD in 2023. FINCAD is based in Vancouver, Canada, and seeks to assist its clients by providing unique analytics for managing exposures, valuing derivatives, and sizing trades correctly. This grant is open to college students in the USA among other countries.
Eligibility Criteria for Women in Finance Scholarship (FINCAD)
To qualify for the FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarships, you must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a Master’s or Ph.D. program in Finance.
- Start your studies between January 1, 2024, and February 1, 2025.
- Have less than 10 years of overall work experience, and less than 5 years of professional experience in finance.
- Be a female citizen of any country and currently enrolled in a post-graduate Finance program at an accredited university.
Application Guide for Women in Finance Scholarship (FINCAD)
To apply for the FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship, interested and eligible candidates should adhere to the following steps:
- First, access the FINCAD Scholarship website to learn more information.
- Navigate to the Scholarship Application Portal to initiate your application.
- If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to sign up.
- Log in to the portal and complete the submission of your application.
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Michigan State University Scholarship
Deadline: November 1, 2024
Reward: Full Scholarship
$25,000/Yr
The Michigan State University Scholarship is awarded to freshmen who have no opportunity to complete the U. S. residency status, who show academic prowess, and who apply from reputable institutions. This scholarship grants $25,000, $21,000 or $18,000 per year for eight semesters. Selection for the International Tuition Grant is holistic and requires factors including academic performance, co-curricular activities, the content of the Statement of Purpose, English proficiency, and regional distribution.
Eligibility Criteria Michigan State University Scholarship
Admission for students applying for the Michigan State University Scholarship depends on several factors which include:
- High school academic performance
- The kind of coursework taken
- Recent academic history
- Class Standing
- Results of standardized tests
- English language proficiency, especially for non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents whose primary language is not English
- Demonstrated leadership, skills, conduct, and various experiences
Also, the criteria include a high school GPA ranging from 3.5 to 4.0, a good ACT score between 23 and 29, and a total SAT score ranging from 1110 to 1310.
Application Guide for Michigan State University Scholarship
Prospective applicants interested in the Michigan State University Scholarship should take the following steps:
- Apply for undergraduate admission at Michigan State University.
- For more chances of scholarship consideration, ensure your admission application and all necessary documents are submitted by November 1. You will receive an admission decision by January 15.
- Students applying for regular or rolling admission will still be eligible for consideration for any remaining awards or scholarships.
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Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Reward: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | $3,000 Stipends
The Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award is one of the most competitive merit-based scholarships recognizing the best students interested in transformative education at Simmons University. These scholarships, regarded as the most prestigious awards at Simmons, celebrate excellence by emphasizing study abroad opportunities, scholarly research, and intellectual curiosity.
Eligibility Criteria for the Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award
To be eligible for the Simmons Distinguished Scholarships, you must:
- Apply as a freshman for the fall semester.
- Include standardized test scores with your admission application. For those wanting to provide test scores, it’s recommended to have a score of 28 or higher on the ACT and 1300 or higher on the SAT (optional).
- Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, on your high school transcript.
- Show a history of taking International Baccalaureate (IB) and advanced placement courses.
- Have completed an advanced-level math course in your previous college degree, if applicable.
- Show English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
- Show active community engagement through volunteer work, leadership roles, or other forms of involvement.
- Show a passion for your chosen field of study.
Application Guide for Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award
To apply, candidates should be prepared to submit the following documents:
- Short Answer (maximum 250 words): Describe how you would use the additional annual award of $3,000 (for study abroad, short-term courses, summer internship tuition, and/or research support).
- Formal Essay (maximum 500 words): Research whether leaders are inherently born or developed. Provide an argument supporting one perspective over the other. Add a specific example of a leader, either from a historical context or your own personal encounters, to support your stance.
- Academic Transcripts
- Reference Letters
Please follow these further steps to apply for the scholarship award:
- Enroll for the fresh undergraduate program at Simmons University.
- Fill in the questionnaire, which contains several questions, and write the essay based on the prompts given above and attach your resume indicating your achievements and participation.
- Please submit your essays and resume in PDF or Word doc format to the email address with the subject heading ‘Simmons Distinguished Scholar Award’ by December 1.
- Make sure that each page of the document contains your full name and your date of birth.
- Scholarship finalists will be notified in mid-January, while successful scholars will be notified on or before March 1.
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Kent State University Scholarship
Deadline: Not Specified
Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipends
Kent State University Graduate Scholarships are available as graduate assistantships for international students enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs at the university. Numerous graduate programs provide fellowships or one of three kinds of graduate assistantships: administrative, teaching, or research. Students are advised to inquire with their academic program about the availability of assistantships.
Eligibility Criteria for Kent State University Scholarship
To qualify for the 2024 Kent State University Graduate Scholarship, you must:
- Apply for enrollment in a graduate degree program at KSU.
- Fulfil the eligibility criteria specified for your selected program.
- Meet the English Language proficiency standards set by KSU.
Application Guide for Kent State University Scholarship
To apply for the 2024 Kent State University Graduate Scholarship, you must:
- Apply to a Master’s or PhD degree program at KSU
- Go further to apply for the assistantships which can be found on Financial Aid/Graduate Assistantships Page
- Students should also call the graduate coordinator of their academic programs to know if there are available assistantships.
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Boston College Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
Deadline: November 1, 2024
Reward: Full Scholarship | Living Stipends
Boston College has opened applications for the 2024 Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, welcoming incoming students from both domestic and international backgrounds. Annually, Boston College grants eighteen merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen through the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program. Candidates applying via both Early Decision and Regular Decision are eligible for consideration for the Presidential Scholarship, provided they meet the priority scholarship deadline of November 1st.
Eligibility Criteria for Boston College Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
To qualify for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, you must:
- Apply to Boston College as a freshman.
- Fulfil the admission requirements set by Boston College.
- Meet the English Language proficiency standards required by the college.
- Submit your application before the priority deadline.
Application Guide for Boston College Gabelli Presidential Scholarship
To apply for the Gabelli Presidential Scholarship, all qualified applicants should:
- Send in an online application for undergraduate admission at Boston College.
- You do not need additional application materials for this scholarship. However, please note that only candidates applying for fall admission will be considered.
Noteworthy, every notification for successful applicants will be sent in early January.
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2024 Boston University Presidential Scholarship
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Reward: $25,000 Per Year
Every year, the Boston University Board of Admissions presents the Presidential Scholarship to incoming first-year students who showcase outstanding academic performance. Boston University, situated in Boston, Massachusetts, is a private research institution. Although nonsectarian, the university has historical ties to the United Methodist Church. Established in 1839 by Methodists, the university initially had its campus in Newbury, Vermont, before relocating to Boston in 1867.
Eligibility Criteria for Boston University Presidential Scholarship
To qualify for the Boston University Presidential Scholarship, you must:
- Be an incoming first-year international student.
- Apply for admission to one of the undergraduate programs offered at Boston University.
- Show outstanding academic performance.
- Additionally, you must not just be good academically but also show leadership qualities within your schools and communities.
Application Guide for Boston University Presidential Scholarship
To be considered for the Boston University Presidential Scholarship 2024, interested and qualified applicants should:
- Apply for an undergraduate degree at BU.
- Your application for admission automatically qualifies you for the scholarship.
- No additional essays or application forms are necessary.
- Ensure that you submit your application and supporting credentials by December 1st if you wish to be considered for the Presidential Scholarship.
Conclusion
Grants are a good resource for college students in the United States, providing financial assistance to help them achieve their academic goals. The grants (scholarships) listed above offer good opportunities for students to receive funding for their education. Remember to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements carefully, and don’t miss out on these opportunities to secure grant funding for your education in 2024.