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Grants are ‘Free’ Money for College

Almost all students at 91ֱ receive grants, often referred to as “free” money because you don’t have to pay them back.

As with most financial aid, the key to getting grants is completing the , commonly known as the FAFSA. You have to demonstrate financial need on your FAFSA to qualify for grants.

For the 2021-2022 school year – the last for which data are available – 97 percent of La 91ֱ’s full-time freshmen received federal grants. The grants averaged $5,772 per student, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many students also received grants from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, La 91ֱ, and other sources.

Federal Grant Programs

The biggest source of grants is the Federal Pell Grant program. Millions of undergraduate college students get Pell Grants each year.

You can get Pell Grants for the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters. They’re available for fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Students with exceptional financial need may also qualify for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, with Pell Grant recipients getting priority. File your FAFSA as early as possible because funding for these grants is limited.

Pennsylvania’s Grant Program

If you’re a Pennsylvania resident, you may qualify for a or the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program. The are similar to those for federal aid, although you must take at least six credits per semester.

To apply for a PA State Grant, you complete the FAFSA and the PA State Grant Form. You can access the state form directly from your FAFSA confirmation page. Look for the link that says: “Start your state application to apply for Pennsylvania state-based financial aid.”

91ֱ’s Grant Program

Full-time undergraduate students with financial need are eligible for grants from 91ֱ. La 91ֱ uses your FAFSA to determine whether you qualify.

How to Avoid Having to Repay Your Grants

In rare instances, you may have to repay all or part of your federal grant. Two examples:

  • If you drop out of school partway through the semester
  • If you change your enrollment status, such as from full time to part time, which reduces the grant money you’re eligible to receive

The repayment requirement makes it essential to see your financial aid counselor before you drop a class or drop out of school. The counselor can review your options to help you avoid a financial catastrophe.

To Learn More

If you’d like more information about federal grants for college, these publications from the U.S. Department of Education are helpful: