Paying for a child's education can be difficult when tuition, school fees, books, supplies, transportation, and other education costs add up. Families may be able to find financial assistance through scholarships, grants, school-based aid, government programs, nonprofit organizations, and other education support programs.
The type of help available depends on the child's age, type of school, family income, location, academic circumstances, and other eligibility requirements.
Who May Qualify
Education assistance programs can have very different requirements. Eligibility may depend on:
- Family or student income
- Household size
- Age of the student
- Academic performance
- School or program attended
- Field of study
- Location
- Financial need
- Special circumstances
Some scholarships are based on financial need, while others may consider academic achievement, talent, community involvement, career interests, or other criteria.
Check What You May Qualify For
Finding education assistance can take time, especially when you are trying to compare different programs. OpenGrants Network helps you discover legitimate programs that may match your family's situation.
- ✓ Free eligibility check
- ✓ Free guidance if needed
Programs vary based on eligibility, location, school, and the type of educational support needed.
Types of Education Assistance
Scholarships
Scholarships can come from schools, nonprofits, community organizations, foundations, businesses, and other private sources. They may be based on academic achievement, financial need, talents, interests, or a particular field of study.
Education Grants
Some students may qualify for grants that do not generally have to be repaid. For eligible college and career-school students, federal student aid can include grants such as the Federal Pell Grant.
FAFSA-Based Financial Aid
The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid and may also be used by states and schools when awarding their own financial aid. Completing the FAFSA is free.
Work-Study
Federal Work-Study can allow eligible students to earn money through part-time employment while attending school.
State and Local Assistance
States, schools, community organizations, and foundations may offer additional scholarships or education assistance. The available programs and deadlines vary by location.
Assistance for Younger Children
Families with younger children may also find education-related support through early childhood programs, Head Start, special education services, and other child-focused programs.
How Education Assistance Typically Works
- Identify the child's education costs and the amount of help needed.
- Determine the school level, whether elementary school, high school, college, trade school, or another program.
- Search for scholarships, grants, and other assistance.
- Check each program's eligibility requirements and deadline.
- Gather income, school, and other required documents.
- Complete the appropriate applications and compare financial aid offers.
For college students, submitting the FAFSA is an important first step because it can provide access to federal, state, and school-based financial aid.