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The U.S. government is always on the lookout for students to receive free student grants. Every year, an estimated $67 billion of free student grants are released to those wishing to pursue post-secondary education. The basis of these free U.S. government student grants is to assist students to attain their education goals, while helping families cover the costs.
Federal Pell grants provide financial support to students, and the students are not required to pay the money back. The main eligibility requirement for the Pell grants is based upon individual financial need. The eligibility, and the amount of each Pell grant, is also influenced by the student's full or part-time status and the costs that will be incurred to attend school.
Many campus-based financial aid programs are also available to students. Campus-based free student grants programs are managed directly by the financial aid office at each qualified school. Three free student grants are provided, and it is at the school's discretion how the student grants will be distributed. The amount of money each student receives is determined by the financial need of the student, the amount he or she has received from other financial aids, and the total amount of student grant funds allocated to the school.
If you are interested in applying for student grants, you can use the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" form (FAFSA). The grant application can be filed by mail, or online. Visit the FAFSA Web site at to start the application process and get all the information you need for the federal free student grants program.
To be eligible for student grants, you must be able to meet the following requirements:
* Citizens or eligible non-citizen of the United States, with a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
* Enrolled as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate in an eligible program
* Able to produce a valid high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. If you do not have these certificates, you must pass an "ability to benefit" test approved by the Department of Education
* Males between 18 to 25 years of age must be able to register for Selective Service
* Eligible or partially eligible in regards to the drug conviction exception
* Able to maintain good academic standing in school
The final requirement is in compliance with the federal law, which stipulates that persons convicted of selling or possessing drugs are not eligible for federal free student grants. However, this exclusion does not disqualify you from qualifying for other free student grants. There are many other student grants available from state governments, private individuals and organizations. It is strongly advised that you complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Every student deserves an education, and U.S. government student grants offer a valuable resource to help students succeed. Students are not required to repay these grants, so find out if you qualify and take advantage of these opportunities available to you.
The main thrust of the free student grant program is to help students who want to study to pursue their dream of post-secondary education without being a burden on their families. In some cases, without having to give up their dream altogether because of lack of funds. This is why there are yearly free grants set aside upwards of $67 billion. For totally free grants, there's Federal Pell Grants. The grants students get from here do not have to be paid back. The amount of funding given is based on the student's financial needs. This takes into account the course fees, whether the student is full-time or part-time, and whether he will attend the whole academic year or not.
Students can also avail of campus-based aid. These too are free grants for students and are managed by the financial aid office in that particular school. So the onus is on the school to distribute this largesse to the most deserving students. The amount that each student will get will depend on his needs, whether he is already getting aid from any other source and on the total amount of funds available to the school to give out.
Students should go to the FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid site and fill out the online application form. This site gives a lot of information on free student grants.
What makes you eligible for a student grant? You need to be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen. You have to have a high school diploma that is valid or a GED (General Education Development) certificate. Failing which, you will have to do a test and pass it. This test will have to be approved by the Department of Education. You will also have to have an SSN (Social Security Number). Males between 18 and 25 will have to register for Selective Service and you will have to be enrolled as a regular student in a program that is eligible. You will also have to maintain your good academic standing.
You will not get federal funding if you have been booked for drugs. However, this is relaxed in the case of non-federal funding agencies like the state or organizations or individuals. So you do not stand disqualified. This is why it is important for a student to fill out the FAFSA application. Free student funding is a great thing to have. It opens the doors of higher education for you and you can enter into this hallowed world without having to pay for it.