If you get accepted to both Pell Grant and State Grant, how does that work? Also do you get money through FAFSA or is that just an application for grants? I’m confused about how you get the remainder of the money.
FAFSA is the application used by all schools to qualify for federal grants (Pell, subsidized loans) but many state also use that application for its own grants. It’s really up to the state grant program whether it will use the Pell grant to replace some of the state grant or if you’ll be allowed to stack them. Florida allows them to be stacked, NY seems to apply state grants as a last payer.
FAFSA is the application for federal student aid. If your family is low income you may get a Pell Grant (up to $5900). You can take the ~$5500/year federal student loan if you file the FAFSA. Low income families in our state (NY) can qualify for a state grant (up to ~$6k if they attend a NYS public). Does your state have grants? If so, you probably have to apply for them using a separate app.
The rest of the money comes from a variety of sources. If you work summers, you can probably raise ~$3k. Parents are expected to contribute too. If you have high stats you may qualify for merit somewhere. Some students get need based aid at competitive colleges, but you need high stats to get into those schools.
What state are you in? How much can your parents contribute to your education each year (without borrowing)?
What state are you in?
For instance, if you’re in Calif, and you qualify for Pell and Cal Grant, you’ll get both.