Many tend to think of federal grants when searching for ways to pay for a college education. However, individual states also offer a number of educational grant opportunities.

The majority of state grants are based upon the financial need of the applicants, though many others are established for specified areas of study or individual schools.

Some companies and organizations within a state may also provide grant opportunities. Eligibility requirements and funding often vary from state to state, as does the application process and the particular government office responsible for administering grants.

Where to Search for State Grants

Searching for educational grants available within each state can be a rather simple process if you know where to look. One of the best places to start searching for individual state grants is at the particular state’s government website.

Your state’s government website should point you directly to a variety of state agencies, organizations and social services that provide educational grant information. They should also provide a direct link to your state’s board of education, where you will find a multitude of information regarding state educational grants.

Other methods to locate information regarding educational grants include:

• High school counselors and teachers. High schools often are provided with state educational grant information to pass along to their graduating students.
• Colleges and universities. The financial aid offices at colleges and universities are designed to assist students with finding sources to help pay for education. They should be able to assist you in locating educational grants available in your state.
• Major companies and corporations within your state. A number of major corporations and companies offer funding in the form of scholarships and grants. Some of these grants may require the recipient to work with them for a specified amount of time after graduation.
• Private non-profit organizations. Many organizations provide funding and grant opportunities to aspiring students.

Alabama

A large number of educational grants are available to students in Alabama. These grants are offered by state, federal and private organizations located in the state of Alabama. Eligibility requirements vary depending upon the type of grant applied for. Educational grants in Alabama may be based upon financial need, residency, major, ethnicity, or any number of other factors.

State grants include the Alabama Student Grant Program, Alabama Student Assistance, and Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program. A significant amount of other grants are also available to Alabama residents.

For more information concerning educational grants available to residents of Alabama, visit the following websites:
Alabama.Gov

Alaska

Alaska is more rural than most states and is underdeveloped in many areas. As a result, there are fewer universities and colleges to choose from. Regardless of the lower amount of schools however, the quality of education in Alaska is exemplary. A large number of grants are available at both the federal and state level for residents of Alaska. Besides Federal Pell Grants, some state grants include the Alaska Advantage Grant, the Alaska Career Upgrade Grant, and Vocational Training Grants.

Further information regarding grants for Alaskan residents can be found at:
Alaska.Gov

Arizona

State grants available to residents in Arizona include the Postsecondary Education Grant, the Early Graduation Scholarship Grant, and the Arizona College Access Aid Program. A number of educational grants and scholarships are also offered by privately owned companies and businesses in Arizona, such as the Arizona Chapter Dependent/Employee Membership Scholarship.

Individuals interested in learning more about educational grants offered to residents of Arizona should visit the following:
Arizona DOE

Arkansas

Many states offer educational grants based upon fields of study. The state of Arizona only offers a few grants to residents. The majority of the grants available are established for specified areas of study. Some of these grants include the Arkansas Health Education Grant, the State Teacher Education Program, and SREB Contracts. The Go! Opportunities Grant is one of the only state educational grants available to applicants in any field of study.

More information regarding educational grants available to residents in Arkansas can be located at:
Arkansas DOE

California

California is home to a large number of colleges and universities. The California Student Aid Commission administers a variety of grants to residents of California. A variety of school specific grants and specialized student grants are available, as well as many need-based grants. The Cal Grants Program includes Cal Grants A, B and C, as well as competitiveness awards for California residents.
To view information about the many available educational grants available to California, see the following websites:
Ca.Gov

Colorado

Many state grants are available to residents of Colorado. While some educational grants are based upon specific areas of study or GPA, a large number are established on a need-based requirement. Some of these grants include the Colorado Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership, the Colorado Student Grant, and the Colorado Student Undergraduate, Graduate, & State Student.

More information about Colorado state educational grants can be obtained from the following resources:
Colorado.Gov

Connecticut

The state of Connecticut provides a multitude of educational grants for residents of the state. These grants include study specific grants, as well as those based upon the financial need of the applicants. Many colleges and universities in Connecticut also offer individual grants. Two of the more popular educational grants available in Connecticut are the Connecticut Aid for Public College Students and the Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program.

Further information about educational grants available in the state of Connecticut can be found at:
CT Department of Educataion

Delaware

Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the country, but it provides a large number of educational opportunities. Residents of Delaware who wish to pursue furthering their education at a college or university may be able to take advantage of the many educational grants available through the state. Some of these grants include the Governor’s Education Grant for Working Adults and the Governor’s Education Grant for Unemployed Workers.

Residents of Delaware who are interested in locating additional information about available state grants should visit the following websites:
De.US

Florida

The Office of Student Financial Assistance State Programs within the Florida Department of Education administers a number of state educational grants to residents. Two grant opportunities available to residents of Florida are the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program for Public Schools and the Florida Public Post-secondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program.

Information about other educational grants funded by the state of Florida can be found at:
Florida Student Aid Site

Georgia

With over 100 colleges and universities, Georgia offers a wide range of educational opportunities. In order to assist residents in paying for the expense of attending a college or university, Georgia offers a number of educational grants. The HOPE Scholarship and Grants program is one of the more popular grant programs in the state.

For information about the many other educational grant opportunities available in the state of Georgia, please visit the following websites:
Georgia.Gov

Hawaii

In addition to the various federal grants available to residents of Hawaii, state grants can also be acquired to help pay the expenses of furthering education. The state of Hawaii administers a large number of grants to residents each year. The Hawaii State Incentive Grant is one of the more popular educational grants available to Hawaiian residents.

Other information regarding educational grants available to Hawaiian residents can be located at:
http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/bor/

Idaho

The Department of Education in Idaho administers state and federal grants to residents in Idaho on a first come, first serve basis. Students can apply for educational grants beginning in January of each year. In addition to financial need-based grants, private organization grants and others, a number of individual colleges and universities within Idaho offer funds in the form of educational grants.

To learn more about the educational grants available to residents of Idaho, see the following:
Idaho.Gov

Illinois

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission was implemented in 1957 to assist college students in locating available funds for their education. Students within the state of Illinois can apply for a number of grants and other forms of financial assistance through ISAC.

Indiana

A wide variety of educational grants are available to residents of Indiana. The state administers grants based upon financial need, specialized areas of study, academic achievement, and an assortment of other criteria. Specific eligibility requirements vary greatly according to the type of grant applied for. The State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana administers a large number of grants each year to residents of the state of Indiana.

Iowa

A variety of educational grants are available to residents of Iowa. These grants are designed to assist individuals with a low to moderate income in financing their education. Grants available to Iowan residents include the Iowa Grant, the Iowa Tuition Grant Program, and the Iowa Vocational Technical Tuition Grant Program.

A large number of other state grants are also available.

Those interested in learning about the many different educational grant opportunities available in Iowa should visit the following websites:
Iowa College Aid Site

Kansas

Many local grants are available to Kansas residents through various organizations, state funding, and corporations. The requirements and application procedures vary according to the type of grant applied for. Opportunities for educational grants available to residents of Kansas include Kansas Comprehensive Grants, the Kansas State Scholars Program, and the Par Aide’s Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant Program.

Kentucky

The Commonwealth of Kentucky administers a wide variety of state educational grants each year through the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. Grants offered to Kentucky residents include Kentucky Tuition Grants, Go Higher Grants, and College Access Program Grants.

Individuals interested in learning more about educational grants for Kentucky residents should visit the following websites:
Kentucky Board of Higher Education

Louisiana

The state of Louisiana provides its residents with a number of opportunities for educational grants. Among the many grant opportunities available in Louisiana are the Go Grant, the Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program, and the Leveraging Education Assistance Partnership. A number of grants are also available for specific fields of study, such as the Louisiana Sea Grant. This grant is open to students focusing their efforts on coastal and marine studies.

Maine

Two of the more popular grant opportunities offered to residents of Maine are the Barking Foundation Grant and the NextGen Student Grant Program. The Barking Foundation Grant is a need-based grant, while the NextGen program offers grant opportunities to Maine residents who hold NextGen college savings account.

Maryland

With more than 50 colleges and a large number of career schools, Maryland provides excellent opportunities for furthering education. Grants made available to residents of Maryland include the Guaranteed Access Grant, the JF Tolbert Grant, and Sharon Christa McAuliffe Grant. A number of other grants are also available to Maryland residents.

Massachusetts

Financial options in the form of state grants are made available to residential students of Massachusetts. Of the many state grant opportunities provided by Massachusetts, some of the more popular include the Massachusetts Cash Grant and the Massachusetts Part-Time Grant. A number of colleges and universities in the area also offer individual school grants.

Michigan

Aspiring students in the state of Michigan should explore all available opportunities for educational funding within the state. Grants made available to residents of Michigan include the Michigan Tuition Grant and the Children of Veterans Tuition Grant. A large variety of other grants are also made available to Michigan residents.

To explore other grant opportunities for residents of Michigan, take a look at the following websites:
Michigan.Gov

Minnesota

Low to moderate income families in Minnesota may benefit from the wide variety of educational grants made available to residents of the state. The Minnesota Residents Grant Program provides grants to students based upon financial need. A number of other grants are also made available to residents of Minnesota, such as the Minnesota Child Care Grant and the Alliss Opportunity Grant.

Further information regarding grants made available to Minnesota residents can be viewed at:
Minnesota DOE

Mississippi

While the cost of living in Mississippi may be lower than many states, the cost of education is still significant. Mississippi offers a number of grant opportunities to residents of the state. Grant opportunities include the Higher Education Legislative Plan, the Freshmen Achievement Grant, and the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant.

Discover the many other grants offered to residents of Mississippi at the following websites:
Mississippi’s Education Website

Missouri

The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is just one of the many grant opportunities available to residents of Missouri. Eligibility requirements and amounts vary according to the circumstances of the applicant. While this is the largest grant program open to residents of Missouri, a number of other grants are also available.

Residents of Missouri who are interested in learning about additional grants available in their state should visit:
Missouri.Gov

Montana

While there are fewer colleges and universities in Montana than in many other states, the cost of education is still high. The Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corporation administers a number of grants each year to students who are residents of the state. Grants available to Montana residents include the Montana Higher Education Grant and the Montana Tuition Assistance Grant. A large number of other grant opportunities are also available.

Find more information about grant opportunities for Montana residents at the following websites:
Montana.Edu

Nebraska

Nebraska offers a variety of grants to residents who choose to attend a college or university within the state. The Nebraska State Grant and the Academic Competitiveness Grant are just two of the many grant opportunities available to Nebraska residents.

Other grants offered to residents of Nebraska can be viewed at:
Nebraska Department of Higher Education

Nevada

Educational grants for residents of Nevada are available through a variety of non-profit organizations, corporations and the state government. The Nevada Grant-In-Aid and the Nevada State Access Grant are both available to residents of the state. A wide variety of other educational grant opportunities are also offered.

To learn more about the wide variety of grants made available to residents of Nevada, visit the following:
Nevada DOE

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission is responsible for administering state grants each year to numerous recipients. Educational grant opportunities made available to residents of New Hampshire include Leveraged Incentive Grants and the New Hampshire Incentive Program.

A number of other grants are also available for residents of New Hampshire. To learn more about these opportunities visit:
Nh.Gov

New Jersey

Residents of New Jersey have a variety of grant opportunities available to them. A large number of colleges and universities in the area offer school specific grants, as well as some companies and organizations. The state of New Jersey provides a significant amount of grant funds to residents of the state each year.

New Mexico

New Mexico residents have a wide variety of educational grant opportunities available to them through various federal, state, and organizational programs. Grants provided for residents of New Mexico include the Student Incentive Grant and the New Mexico Scholars Program.

More information about grants made available to residents of New Mexico can be found at:
New Mexico Higher Education

New York

New York’s largest grant program for residents of the state is the Tuition Assistance Program. A variety of other educational grant opportunities are also made available to residents of the state through various federal and state programs. A number of private organization and school sponsored grants can also be applied for.

North Carolina

The College Foundation of North Carolina administers a substantial amount of educational grants each year to residents of the state. The North Carolina Student Incentive Grant and the North Carolina Community College Grant Program are just two of the many grants provided by the state.

More can be learned about educational grant programs available to North Carolina residents at:
NC College Foundation

North Dakota

The majority of grants available to residents of North Dakota are provided by specific colleges and universities within the state. Some private organizations also offer a number of grant opportunities. Tribal colleges and philanthropic societies in North Dakota offer some grants to residents as well.

Information about the various grant opportunities available to North Dakota residents can be located at:
Ndus.Edu

Ohio

A large amount of funding is available for educational grants through federal, local and state programs. Ohio residents are eligible for a variety of grants, including the Ohio Instructional Grant and the Ohio College Opportunity Grant.

Residents of Ohio who are interested in discovering more about grant opportunities available within the state can find further information by visiting the following websites:
Ohio.Gov

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant and the Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant are two of the more well-known state grants made available to residents of Oklahoma. A large number of other grants are also available through federal and state programs, private organizations, companies, universities and colleges.

Individuals who reside in the state of Oklahoma and are interested in finding out more about educational grants available to them can visit the following websites for further information:
http://www.okhighered.org/

Oregon

Financial assistance for students who reside in the state of Oregon is available through a number of grant programs. Some of the more popular grants in the state of Oregon include the Oregon Opportunity Grant, the Oregon Chafee Grant for Foster Youth, and the Academic Competitiveness Grant.

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is responsible for administering various grants available to the residents of Pennsylvania. Educational grants within the state include the National Leadership Development Grant and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Grant.

Further information concerning grant opportunities for residents of Pennsylvania can be obtained at:
PA Department of Higher Education
PA DOE

Rhode Island

Public and private grant opportunities are available to residents of Rhode Island. While grants are not as abundant in Rhode Island as in other states, funding for educational grants is available through a variety of programs.

Further information about educational grants available to residents of the state of Rhode Island can be found at:
Rhode Island Department of Higher Education

South Carolina

South Carolina provides financial assistance for residents of the state through a variety of federal, state and private organizational programs. Grant opportunities available to residents include the South Carolina Tuition Grant and the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program.
South Carolina residents can discover more about educational grant opportunities by visiting the following websites:
South Carolina.Gov

South Dakota

The South Dakota Board of Regents is responsible for the majority of secondary schools in the state of South Dakota. As a result, most educational grants in the state are administered by this group. A number of grants and other forms of financial assistance are available to residents of South Dakota through a variety of federal, state, and private funding.

For more information about educational grants in the state of South Dakota, visit:
South Dakota Board of Education

Tennessee

Educational grants opportunities available to residents of Tennessee include the Tennessee Student Assistance Award and the Helping Heroes Grant. Numerous other educational grants are available through various state, federal and organizational programs.

To learn more about grant opportunities available to residents of Tennessee, visit:
Tennessee Education Site

Texas

The state of Texas provides a number of educational grant opportunities to residents. One of the more popular state grants is the TEXAS Grant, which stands for “Towards Excellence, Access and Success.” Qualifications and eligibility requirements vary for available grants within the state. As one of the largest and most populated states in the U.S., Texas offers a multitude of grant opportunities through a variety of programs.

Individuals interested in gaining further information about grants available to residents of Texas should visit:
Texas College Site

Utah

A large number of quality colleges and universities are located in Utah. In an effort to help pay for the expense of attending these schools, a wide variety of grant opportunities are available to residents of Utah. Many private and public universities and colleges offer a variety of grants, as do a number of federal, state and organizational programs within the state.

Further information about grant programs and funding opportunities for residents of the state of Utah can be found at:
Utah Higher Education

Vermont

Despite its small size, the state of Vermont provides a number of grants to its residents. Educational grant opportunities are available through various state and federal programs, as well as a number of organizations, colleges and universities. The Vermont Incentive Grant and the Vermont Non-Degree Grant are just two of the many grants offered to residents of Vermont.

More information about types of educational grants available to residents of Vermont can be found at:
Vsac.Org

Virginia

The four primary grant opportunities available to residents of Virginia are the Virginia Commonwealth Award Program, the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program, and the College Scholarship Assistance Program. A number of other grants are available as well.

To learn more about grants in Virginia, visit the following websites:
Virginia.Edu

Washington

A variety of educational grant programs are set in place to assist with the financial needs of residents in the state of Washington. The majority of these grants are based upon financial need. They help make it possible for individuals from lower income families to go to college.

For information regarding educational grants available to Washington residents, see the following websites:
Wa.Gov

West Virginia

While some grants for residents of West Virginia are based upon a specific field of study, the majority are awarded upon financial need. The West Virginia Higher Education Grant and the Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant are just two of the many grants made available to residents. A large number of specialized grants are also available, such as the Teaching American History Grant and the West Virginia Space Grant.

Residents of West Virginia who are interested in learning more about available grants can find further information at:
WvNet.Edu

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Higher Education Board administers a large number of educational grants to residents each year. A wide variety of federal, state and private programs offer grant opportunities to students who reside within the state of Wisconsin. Available grants include the Wisconsin Higher Education Grant, the Talent Incentive Program Grant, and the Lawton Grant.

Further information regarding educational grants made available to Wisconsin residents can be found at:
WIsconsin DOE

Wyoming

In an effort to help offset the expenses associated with higher education, Wyoming offers residents of the state a number of grant opportunities through various state, federal and organizational programs. A large number of these grants are based upon either financial need or specialized areas of study.

Wyoming residents who are interested in learning more about available educational grant opportunities can obtain further information at the following websites:
Wcc.Edu