Academic Competitiveness Grant

Website: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/AcademicGrants.jsp

Who's Eligible: First and second year college students

Award Amount: Up to $1,300

Due Date: The Department of Education discontinued this grant beginning with the 2011-12 award year, but keep checking back to see if they ever bring it back.

Requirements:

College underclassmen who graduated from an academically rigorous high school—check out the full list here before continuing further—can be eligible for a $750 government grant for their first year of school and a $1,300 grant for their second. Candidates must be Pell Grant eligible (meaning they demonstrate significant financial need) and enrolled at least half-time. The bonus Jonas on this award is that it is a federal grant, meaning you will not have to fill out endless essays, talk about what inspires you, or put together a video showcasing your abilities. Step one to getting your hands on the grant is filling out the FAFSA form at www.fafsa.ed.gov/.