While most groups don’t offer housing grants under that exact terminology, there are millions of dollars across thousands of grants that can be used for housing purposes. Most grants have certain application requirements and qualifications, but once awarded, money can be used to fund any part of college education- not just tuition. Grant money can be used to pay for books, labs, transportation expenses, clothing, supplies, and for housing expenses. Whatever the case may be, it’s essentially up to you as to how the grant money is spent. However, it should be noted that, while there are probably no authorities who are going to regulate you, using grant money for other than educational expenses is unethical and in some cases may be illegal.
Housing accounts for a large part of the total expenses a student incurs while in college. Most schools include indexed estimates of housing expenses which are figured into a student’s financial situation. These estimates rise each year at the rate of inflation. However, not all forms of aid can be used to cover housing, and not every student gets all the aid they need. When this is the case, utilizing as many sources of educational funding as housing grants as you can is a practical alternative solution.
Who makes Housing Grants Available?
Because nearly every student who applies at a college or university in the United States will be required to fill out a FAFSA, it’s easy to find out if you are eligible for certain types of federal aid. In fact, all versions of federal aid and many versions of internal school-based aid can all be applied for at the same time when filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. While the form is essentially designed for the use of the US Department of Education, most schools use information provided on the form to make many types of in-school award determinations. However, students are advised to talk to a school financial aid advisor prior to filling out the FAFSA in order to qualify for as many programs as possible.
The most common form of federal grant is the Pell grant, which awards more than $5000 at a maximum to students with financial need. Students can use funds from the Pell award as housing grants. In fact, students who are on a fast-track to completing a degree program may be able to obtain two Pell grants in the same academic year.
There are three other grants available by filling out a FAFSA- the TEACH grant, the FSEOG, and Academic Competitiveness grants. These types of grants and scholarships are available from both the federal government and from many schools. These grants are specialized, but can be used as housing grants. The grants respectively are for: Students who commit to becoming a teacher, students with exceptional financial need, and students with impressive academic achievements.
Grants and scholarships can be found at a great many sources outside of federal and state governments. Often, schools provide many specialized scholarships, such as those for minority groups, students with disabilities, students from low-income families, and many other types. However, the private sector is a valuable source of grants as well.
Professional associations, businesses, and corporations all have a vested interest in recruiting qualified professionals to work for them or conduct research on their behalf. Therefore, these groups often offer grants as a method of attracting the right individuals to their respective industries. Applications can be made directly- usually via the company’s website.
Religious organizations, civic groups, local municipalities and governments, private individuals, and charitable organizations are also excellent sources of grants. This is especially true if the student meets some specific requirements related to causes or issues supported by these groups. Applications often come with some requirements, so students are advised to be sure they understand what housing grants they are applying for before they fill it out.