Understanding community college completion grants

I've heard about community college completion grants and wonder what they are. Do they require a separate application, or are they part of financial aid applications?

Community college completion grants are financial awards given to students who are close to completing their degree at a community college. They are typically aimed at students who show financial need and are on track to graduate, but might be struggling with tuition and other costs associated with finishing their program.

To be eligible for these grants, students often have to be enrolled in a certain number of credit hours and be able to demonstrate that they're making satisfactory academic progress. So essentially, they reward students for staying on track to graduate.

In most cases, you don't have to apply separately for these grants. When you fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you allow your school to determine what financial aid you're eligible for, including grants like these. Schools will typically list out the aid you're eligible for in your financial aid award letter, which would include any community college completion grants.

However, it's always good to check with your school's financial aid office to make sure you're not missing out on any potential fund sources. They can provide more specific guidance based on your individual circumstances. Keep in mind that this info may differ between colleges and from one state to another, but generally, they do not require thorough additional applications outside of the FAFSA process.