Pell Grant

• The Pell Grant is a federal award issued to low income students. Financial need is determined by a student's Estimated Family Contribution, or EFC. EFCs are calculated using information from a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. As of 2011, the maximum Pell Grant awarded is $5,500 for one academic year. Many factors contribute to the amount you are awarded. Some examples of factors are the amount of your existing aid package, your tuition costs and enrollment status as part-time or full-time.
  
  

Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Award

• The Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Award is an example of a student-specific grant. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization for women. The Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Award is a grant available to women who provide financial support to their families. To qualify, applicants must reside in one of the Soroptimist International member countries. As of 2011, these countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guam, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, the United States of America and Venezuela.
  
  Award amounts vary by local club, but the global office grants three $10,000 finalist awards each year.
  
  

FSEOG

• The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, or FSEOG, is a grant option for low-income students. Contributions to the grant are private and federal. The federal government contributes 75 percent, while an educational institution contributes the remaining 25 percent. Priority is given to students with the lowest amount of EFC. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the FSEOG is awarded at approximately 4,000 institutions nationwide.
  
  

The Fulbright Program

• Professional graduate students can receive a host of grants and fellowships based on merit and area of study. "More than 1,500 Americans receive grants to study, research or teach abroad with either full or partial support from the Fulbright Program," explains the U.S. Department of State. Selections are based on excellent academic achievement, the feasibility of a student's proposed research project and language preparation.
  
  Grant awards vary, but, as of 20111, full grant benefits include: round-trip transportation to the host country, payment for cost-of-living expenses in the host country for one academic year and limited health benefits.