Need-based Grants

• The most common grants are need based. To be eligible for a need-based grant, you will normally need to provide tax information to prove you are eligible.
  
  

Degree-based Grants

• Depending on the degree you plan to pursue, you may have degree-based grants available to you. These are most common in fields that women are underrepresented in, such as the sciences, medicine, math and technology.
  
  

Career-based Grants

• Many grants will pay for education in return for a promise of a certain number of years of work. For example, if you wished to start a new career in teaching, you may be eligible to have your college costs paid for in return for a term of teaching at a school that is in need of qualified teachers.
  
  

Government Grants

• The federal government offers a number of grants for students. You may need to meet one or more criteria, however, other than age to qualify for government grants.
  
  

School-based Grants

• Always be sure to check with the college's financial aid office. Many alumni associations offer grants meant specifically for women or seniors. If no one is eligible, these grants go to waste with no one taking advantage of a free education.
  
  

Battered Women Grants

• If you have suffered from domestic violence, you may be eligible for a grant meant to help you get back on your feet and start over. Talk to your school or local battered women's shelter.
  
  

Warning

• Be sure to check your paperwork carefully. While most grants are "free" money that does not need to be repaid, there may be conditions attached that, if not met, make the money a loan. Ask the organization before accepting the grant if you aren't sure.