Education is the single largest category of federal grant spending available to individuals. The U.S. Department of Education and Federal Student Aid (FSA) administer multiple programs that, unlike student loans, do not need to be repaid. State departments of education add additional grant programs on top of the federal layer.
This page covers the major federal and state education grant programs available in 2026 to students, teachers, and schools.
Federal grants for students
Pell Grant
The largest federal grant for undergraduate students. The maximum award for the 2026–27 academic year is up to $7,580 (confirm the current figure at studentaid.gov). Eligibility is need-based and determined by the FAFSA using the Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the older Expected Family Contribution (EFC). See our full Pell Grant guide.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A campus-based grant for students with exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year, distributed by each participating school's financial aid office. Pell-eligible students with the lowest SAI are prioritized. Schools have limited FSEOG funds, so apply for the FAFSA as early as possible. See Federal Student Aid — FSEOG for full eligibility and disbursement rules.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who plan to teach in a high-need field at a school serving low-income students. The grant converts to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan if the recipient does not complete the teaching service obligation (typically four years of full-time teaching within eight years of program completion). Details at studentaid.gov/teach.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
For students whose parent or guardian died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, and who do not qualify for a Pell Grant only because of their SAI. The award equals the maximum Pell Grant amount.
Federal grants for teachers and schools
The U.S. Department of Education funds K–12 schools, school districts, and teacher-preparation programs through multiple discretionary and formula-grant programs:
- Title I, Part A — formula funding to school districts serving high concentrations of low-income students.
- IDEA grants — formula funding for special education services.
- Teacher Quality Partnership Grants — competitive funding for teacher preparation in high-need schools.
- Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Grants — competitive grants for evidence-based educational interventions.
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers — funding for after-school and summer programs in high-poverty schools.
Individual teachers cannot apply for these federal programs directly — they are awarded to schools, districts, and non-profits. Teachers can, however, apply for individual classroom-resource grants from private foundations (DonorsChoose, Walmart Foundation Teacher Grants, NEA Foundation grants, ING Unsung Heroes, McCarthey Dressman, etc.).
State education grants
Every U.S. state operates its own need-based and merit-based grant programs for residents attending college. Examples:
- Cal Grant (California)
- TAP (New York Tuition Assistance Program)
- Bright Futures Scholarship (Florida)
- PA State Grant Program (Pennsylvania)
- HOPE Scholarship (Georgia)
- MTAG / MESG (Mississippi)
Most state grants require completion of the FAFSA and a state-specific application. Deadlines are typically earlier than the federal FAFSA deadline — check your state agency's date.
The federal directory of state higher-education agencies is at studentaid.gov/state.
How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The form opens October 1 each year for the following academic year. The FAFSA is the gateway to Pell, FSEOG, TEACH, and most state aid.
- Submit any state-specific aid applications by your state's deadline.
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and check that your SAI and school list are correct.
- Compare financial-aid offers from each school. Grants reduce your cost without repayment; loans do not.
- Accept your award through your school's financial aid portal.
- For TEACH — complete the Agreement to Serve at studentaid.gov and confirm your school participates.
There is no application fee for the FAFSA or any legitimate federal or state student-aid grant.
Common questions
Do I have to repay an education grant? No, with one important exception: the TEACH Grant converts to a loan if you do not fulfill the teaching service requirement.
How early should I file the FAFSA? As early as possible after October 1. Some federal and state aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I receive multiple education grants at the same time? Yes. You can combine Pell + FSEOG + state grants + institutional aid + private scholarships, provided the total does not exceed your school's cost of attendance.
Are teaching grants available for individual teachers? Federal teaching grants flow to schools and districts. Individual classroom grants come almost entirely from private foundations and corporate programs.