Financial Aid

What About Financial Aid for College?

Financial aid for college consists of loans, grants, scholarships, and work study. Grants and scholarships are worth searching for because they don't have to be paid back, unlike student loans, which require an ongoing financial obligation, or work study, which requires a work commitment. There are generally three sources for college grant aid; the federal government, state higher-education agencies, and colleges.

In order to be considered for any type of grant aid, you or your child should file the federal government's financial aid application, the FAFSA. In addition, private colleges typically require the CSS Profile form or their own individual aid form. The FAFSA and CSS Profile can be filled out and submitted online (the FAFSA is free but the CSS Profile has a fee). These forms do require some time to complete, but the time spent is worth it. Not only are these forms a prerequisite to various types of grant aid, but some colleges may require them in order for students to be eligible for college merit scholarships. Keep in mind that students must reapply for financial aid every year.

U.S. government grants

There are two main federal grants for college; Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs). Both are based on financial need.

The Pell Grant program is Uncle Sam's largest financial aid grant program. Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, and are  the foundation of every undergraduate student's financial aid package (for those who qualify). Graduate students are not eligible. Pell Grants are administered by the federal government and awarded on the basis of college costs and a financial need. Financial need is based on factors such as family income and assets, family size, and the number of college students in the family. 

The FSEOG is the federal government's second-largest program. An FSEOG is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate the greatest financial need. (i.e., those students with the lowest expected family contributions). Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. The FSEOG is a campus-based program, which means that the financial aid office at each college administers it. Every college receives a certain amount of FSEOG funding from the federal government each year, and when the funds are awarded, there are no more until the following year. So even though a student might be eligible for an FSEOG based on his or her financial need, the funds may have already been expended for that year. The federal maximum FSEOG award is $4,000 per academic year, and awards can range from $100 to $4,000.

State grants

Many states offer grant programs as well. Each state’s grant program is different, many give special preference to state residents planning to attend an in-state school. For more information, contact your state's higher-education agency.

College grants

Finally, many colleges offer specialized grant programs. This is particularly true of older schools with many alumni and large endowments. These grants are usually based on financial need or scholastic ability. Consult your college financial aid office for more details.

Source: U.S. Department of Education

 

The information in this newsletter is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the ­purpose of ­avoiding any ­federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek guidance from an independent tax or legal professional. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the ­purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2025 Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Investment and Insurance Products are:

  • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency
  • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate
  • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested

This information is intended for use only by residents of (AL, AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI). Securities-related services may not be provided to individuals residing in any state not listed above. Please consult with the FA as s/he may not be registered in all states.

For parties residing outside of the U.S., this information is: (i) provided for informational purposes only, (ii) not and should not be construed in any manner as an offer to participate in any investment or to buy or sell any securities or related financial instruments, and (iii) not and should not be construed in any manner as a public offering of any financial services, securities or related financial instruments. Products and services listed may not be available, or may have restrictions, depending on client country of residence.

Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN). Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and WFAFN, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. Any other referenced entity is a separate entity from WFAFN.

Insurance products are offered through nonbank insurance agency affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company and are underwritten by unaffiliated insurance companies.

A note about Social Media: Opinions, comments and actions taken on Social Media are those of the third party and do not necessarily reflect the views of the creator of this profile or of the firm. Social Media is intended for U.S. residents only and subject to the following terms: wellsfargoadvisors.com/social.


© 2022 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

FINRA’s BrokerCheck Obtain more information about our firm and its financial professionals

FINRA’s BrokerCheck Obtain more information about our firm and its financial professionalsX