SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships vs Grants: What's the Difference?
Both are free money for college. Here is how they differ and how to get each.
People mix up scholarships vs grants all the time. Both are gift aid you never repay, but they come from different places and follow different rules.
Here is the good news up front. When it comes to scholarships vs grants, you do not have to choose. You can win both, and both are gift aid you never repay. The difference is mostly about who gives the money and why. Knowing that helps you go after all of it.
What is the difference between scholarships and grants?
Both are gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants are usually need based and come from the government or your college, like the Pell Grant. Scholarships can be merit based or need based and come from many sources, including nonprofits, businesses and community groups.
So a simple way to remember it. Grants usually flow from need and the government. Scholarships flow from your merit, story and community.
How do I get grants and scholarships?
For grants, file the FAFSA. It unlocks the Pell Grant, worth up to 7,395 dollars for 2025-2026, plus state and college aid. For scholarships, apply directly to each award. EAESSI helps you do both so you claim every dollar.
The maximum Pell figure comes from Federal Student Aid https://fsapartners.ed.gov Filing the FAFSA is the only way to unlock it.
Related scholarship pages
Use both to close the gap?
The strongest plan combines them. Grants from your FAFSA plus college scholarships you win can cover a big share of the cost. Together, this financial aid turns a scary number into a real budget.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ready When You Are
Go after both. Start with the EAESSI Scholarship and let us help with your FAFSA too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither. Both are gift aid you never repay, unlike loans.
It is a grant. It is need based and comes from the federal government through the FAFSA.
Yes. Most students combine grants and scholarships to cover more of the cost.