Grants & Scholarships

Free money first. Here’s how to find it.

Grants and scholarships don’t have to be repaid. Most start with one step: the FAFSA. We’ll help you with the rest.

Start Here

Every grant starts with the FAFSA.

The FAFSA is how Allen and the state decide what free money you qualify for. File early. Aid is awarded in order of completion.

Allen’s FAFSA school code003417
  • April 15Priority funding date. File your FAFSA by this date for the best chance at limited aid.
  • August 1SC Tuition Grant deadline. File your FAFSA by this date to be considered.

  1. File the FAFSA

    It opens each year by October 1. File by April 15, Allen’s priority funding date.

    File the FAFSA →

  2. Apply to Allen

    You can do these in any order. We can process your aid once you’re accepted.

    Apply to Allen →

  3. Watch your email and portal

    Send any requested documents quickly so your award isn’t delayed.

    How financial aid works →
Grants

Need-based aid you don’t repay.

You’re automatically considered for these when you file the FAFSA with code 003417.

  • Federal

    Federal Pell Grant

    For undergraduates with financial need. Eligibility comes from your FAFSA.

    About the Pell Grant ↗
  • Federal

    FSEOG

    The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, for students with exceptional financial need.

    About FSEOG ↗
  • South Carolina

    SC Tuition Grant

    For eligible South Carolina residents at private colleges like Allen. Requires 12 credit hours each semester. FAFSA deadline: August 1.

    SC Tuition Grants ↗
Scholarships

Rewarding what you bring to the Yard.

Scholarships recognize talent, achievement, and promise. Many can be combined with grants.

Scholarship Directory

More places to find free money.

Trusted, free-to-apply sources. Tap a category to narrow the list.

Tip: ask your high school counselor, church, employer, and local civic clubs, too. Local awards often have fewer applicants. Outside organizations set their own rules, amounts, and deadlines. Allen University isn’t affiliated with them. Always check eligibility on the official site.

Game Plan & Renewal

Stack it up. Then keep it.

Your game plan

Apply smart, not just often

  • Start local: church, employer, and community awards have fewer applicants
  • Keep one strong essay and tailor it for each award
  • Track every deadline in one calendar
  • Ask for recommendation letters at least 3 weeks ahead
  • Small awards add up. Apply to them too.
Avoid scams

Never pay for free money

  • Real scholarships don’t charge to apply
  • No one can “guarantee” you a scholarship
  • Never share your FSA ID or bank info
  • How to spot a scam (FTC) ↗
Keep your aid

Renew every year

  • File a new FAFSA each year
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Stay full time if your aid requires it
  • Meet scholarship renewal rules, such as a minimum GPA
  • Report outside scholarships to Financial Aid, since they can change your aid package
  • Talk to us before you drop or withdraw
We’re Here to Help

Questions? Talk to a real person.

The Office of Student Financial Aid is open Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Find out what you qualify for.

File your FAFSA with code 003417, then see your estimated cost.

File the FAFSA →Net Price Calculator