By definition, grants are gifts of money to be used for a particular purpose. As it relates to financial aid, grants are gifts of money from federal, state, and institutional sources used to assist in the financing of a college education.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant: Awarded based on the greatest financial need with a maximum award of $6,495 for 2021-2022.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Grant designed as a complement to the Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant:  This grant is awarded to students who are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant based on their expected family contribution (EFC), but meet the other Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements.  Recipients must also have a parent or guardian who was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the event of 9/11.  At the time of the parent or guardian's death, the recipient must have been under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least part-time.

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program: Grant designed to encourage future teachers to teach high-need fields in designated low income schools.

Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship: A scholarship available to Pell-eligible students whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer.  Recipients must be under the age of 24 or enrolled at an institution of of higher education at the time of his or her parent's or guardian's death.  The scholarship is the maximum Pell Grant amount for the student's enrollment status and cost of attendance.

State Grants

Iowa Tuition Grant: Need-based grant available to undergraduate Iowa residents.

Institutional Grants

Luther Grant: Awarded to full-time students based on financial need.