<p>I find that need-based grants for college students from state agencies do not get enough attention. In some states, these grants can pay a middle income family up to $1000 to attend a low priced public college or up to $4000 a year to attend a private college. These are non-competitive grants that are available to anyone with need and who fills out the online paperwork on time.</p>
<p>Some states do not allow their grants to be used at out of state colleges. Some states do allow grants to be used out of state, but greatly reduce the amount of the grants. Some states allow the grants to be used in some states but not others. </p>
<p>My point is that the availability of a state grant may have a notable impact in making an out of state college affordable or not. </p>
<p>Many state grant programs are tied into the fafsa, with a follow-up application that is linked to the fafsa. Beware of application deadlines, which may vary depending upon whether you are a first time applicant or not.</p>