When it comes to Grants, this can be an invaluable source of financial aid for students. With the rising cost of college tuition, any financial help a student can get is better than nothing. That’s where Grant’s come in. Unlike student loans, grants typically do not need to be repaid. However, like anything that is free, there are some caveats. So, do you have to pay back grants?
What is a Grant?
A grant is free financial aid that goes towards a college education. Grants are also sometimes known as gift aids. Based on the need, and when a grant Aid is granted, they generally do not have to be repaid. Students are only awarded grants if they meet certain criteria such as income restrictions and the cost of Education.
Although the term Grant is a more general term, they are four different types of federal student grants.
1. Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are a form of financial aid directly from the federal government. This type of Grant is typically awarded to undergraduate students that have not yet earned their degree. The federal government distributes These funds across colleges to then be awarded to qualifying students.
2. State Issued Grants
Unlike Federal Pell Grants, state-issued grants are typically awarded by the state you live in or attend school in. Since these grants are awarded on a state level, they are funded by local state taxes instead.
3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or FSEOG, are awarded to students that have really dire need of financial assistance. These grants are typically awarded up to $4,000 per year per student.
4. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants TEACH
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants, or TEACH, are awarded to teachers that are pursuing a bachelor’s degree. To qualify for this grant, the teacher must agree to teach at a low-income school for a minimum of four consecutive years. If this requirement is not met, then this grant will need to be repaid.
Do you have to pay back grants?
In most cases, no you do not have to pay back grants. Since grants are not loans, they are essentially free money that goes towards your college education. For you to qualify for a grant, you must meet and follow certain government requirements. Failure to meet these requirements might result in you having to pay back the grant.
So what are these requirements? This depends on the type of grant you are warded.
When would I have to pay back grants?
Like anything that is free, they are stipulations that come with receiving a grant. Some situations might result in a grande turning into a loan that you have to pay back. This is something you obviously want to avoid. Here are some examples of when you might be required to pay back grants:
- You drop out of school and do not complete your degree program.
- You received more money than you are originally entitled to by accident
- Your financial situation changed, making you illegible for a grant that you were awarded
- You change your enrollment status or dropped below the minimum required hours of schooling
These are just a few examples of situations that might trigger a grant payback. If you find yourself having to pay back a grant, you are typically informed by the financial aid office at your school. Usually, you will have 45 days to pay back the funds. If you can’t pay it back fast enough, they are payment plan options it’s dead.
If you get a notice requesting that you pay back your Grant, make sure you respond as quickly as you can oh, so it doesn’t escalate.
Are grants taxable?
Usually, grants are not taxable. This is only true if the funds are used for the intended purpose. In this case, the funds must be used for qualified educational expenses only. In other words, you can’t use your Grant funds to go buy a new car.
Qualified education expenses include tuition, required books, room and board, and living expenses. Any funds that you don’t use in a given year will need to be reported to the IRS. This balance can sometimes be taxed since it is now just cash you didn’t use.
Final thoughts
Like anything that is government-related and has financial implications, make sure you read the fine print. Whatever documents you are signing, make sure you read them thoroughly and understand what you are agreeing to.
Grants are almost always better than student loans. The fact that the government is willing to assist you financially helps you avoid the debt burden throughout your life. Always remember that, by accepting a grant, you are agreeing to the stipulations that come with it. Don’t just drop out of school or drastically change enrollment. That will result in you having to pay back the grant.
Hope this was helpful!