State Grant Aid: An Overview of Programs and Recent Research
Grant aid – whether based on financial need, merit, or a combination therein – is the primary form of financial aid awarded by states. States use grant aid to encourage academic preparation, enhance access to postsecondary education, affect students’ choice of college, support persistence, and reduce out-of-state migration. State grant aid programs can be distinguished from other sources of grant aid, such as institutional scholarships or tuition discounts as well as the Pell Grant, the federal government’s principal need-based program. This report provides an overview of state grant programs in the Midwest and shows how some policy design features relate to student outcomes.
Key findings focus on:
- Sources of funding
- Criteria for awards
- Typical award amounts
- Award amounts by institutional type
- Demographics and ability to pay for college
Policy options are also offered.
