<p>Okay. I received my financial aid package a while ago, but I didn't quite pay attention to it. I noticed that I received $5,600 in grants, but I'm not sure if it's the University's grant or state grants. My question is, should I expect receiving these grants for the next 4 years? I know it is based on financial aid, but there is no way my parents are going to make more than they did when we filled out the FAFSA. In fact, we'll be making less since my mother lost her job. I'm not quite sure what the deal is with grants. Maybe you might get it? Maybe you won't sometimes? I'm hoping to receive something close to that amount every year though.</p>
<p>Get out your FA letter and look at it! It should clearly state what the grants are and the source. If they’re state grants, they will likely continue if your FAFSA EFC remains the same (unless the state budget is cut, that is!). Some University grants are for freshmen only, most are just need based. The FA office or website should be able to clarify.</p>
<p>Some schools and people use the terms grant and scholarship interchangeably. In our experience (2 schools, 2 kids), grants have been FA based, whereas scholarships have been merit based. It’s important to know the distinction because often times, merit scholarships are dependent on certain criteria, such as a maintaining a minimum GPA. </p>
<p>Grants based on EFC are not guaranteed for all four years as FA will be reclaculated each year. Assuming your award is EFC based, the FA pkg should note the name of the award so you know if it’s federal, state or school based. Do you have a very low EFC? In our experience, federal and state grants are only awarded to very low EFC (under $4000). School grants can be offered in addition to fed/state $ or may be the only grants you get. But regardless of where the money is coming from, usually you have to “accept” the award so reread your letter and see what you need to do. Don’t miss deadlines.</p>
<p>You should contact your school’s FA office to get answers if your FA letter doesn’t answer your questions. Also, have you alerted your FA dept that your mom is unemployed? If she lost her job AFTER you filled out FAFSA/FA papers, you should file an appeal. Colleges can take another look when there are extenuating circumstances (job loss).</p>