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Scholarships & Grants

The Difference Between Grants and Scholarships

By Amanda Woidyla

Scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid, making them the best ways to pay for college! Here are a few of the differences between the two.

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Grants

Grants are free money for college. They are need based, so the first step to receiving one is to complete the FAFSA. Once your college receives your FAFSA information (they receive it automatically as long as you add their school code to your FAFSA), they will know what grants you qualify for. Your school will then notify you of any grants you received by including them in your offer of financial aid. Grant funds are sent directly to the college which applies the funds toward your tuition, fees, room and board. If there is money left over, you can use it to pay for books and other education-related expenses.  

There are two types of grants.

Federal Grants
  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
State Grant
  • North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant
Scholarships

Scholarships are also free money for college. However, you typically have to “work” harder for them by researching and applying for each one. They are usually merit based on certain criteria, like academics, sports, volunteering, a skill, etc.  

When applying for one, you should never have to pay a fee. If you do, it’s not a legitimate opportunity, and you should walk away! But don’t let this discourage you. There are so many places to look for scholarships.

  • Your high school counselor
  • The college’s financial aid office
  • Bank of North Dakota’s College Handbook

Another great scholarship opportunity for students who graduated from a North Dakota high school or who were home educated in North Dakota is North Dakota Dollars for Scholars. You can create a profile and update it any time. Scholarship applications are open January 1 – April 1 every year for current high school students, students returning to college after some time away and students currently in college.

For additional information on scholarships and grants, check out the College Handbook’s Scholarship & Grants section or the Scholarships & Grants blogs!

Amanda Woidyla

Amanda Woidyla is the University and Student Development Coordinator at BND, which is a long title for “I help students plan and pay for college and plan TO pay for college.” She coordinates College Application Month, North Dakota’s branch of the American College Application Campaign and REALLY likes public speaking. Outside of work, Amanda likes to ride bikes, do yoga and pet other people’s dogs.

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