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states have grant programs, which vary from state to state.
Again, the primary criterion is generally need, which determines
the amount of the grant. For students meeting the need requirements,
certain academic standards may also be necessary, such as ranking
in the top 25 percent of their high school class. For states
using merit as a primary criterion, academic requirements may
be even higher. The maximum award is about $2,000. Most states
provide special assistance to students attending private colleges
and some even provide funds to residents attending schools out-of-state.
An example of a state grant program is the Illinois Monetary
Award Program.
There are some merit-based state programs
based solely on academic excellence. These programs are on
the rise as colleges compete to keep their best students within
their state educational system.
California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York,
Minnesota, and Pennsylvania make the most awards of any states.
Virginia and Texas each have unique programs for special incentive
grants, whereby students of one racial groups are encouraged
to attend a state public college or university in which another
racial group makes up a significant proportion of the student
body.
For information on individual state programs,
contact the student aid agency in your state. Your high school
college counselor, college financial aid officer, or library
should have the address and telephone number.
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