College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT, the Advanced Placement Program, and BigFuture. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools.
Grants & Scholarships
What is the difference between grants and scholarships?
Grants and scholarships are both types of financial aid. They are usually referred to as “gift aid” or “free money” because they don’t need to be repaid.
Grants are need-based aid, which means your ability to receive them is determined by the financial resources you report on your financial aid forms, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or CSS Profile®.
Scholarships usually require some type of application and can be awarded based on a combination of factors including merit. Merit aid is financial aid that does not consider a student's financial need but rather is awarded based on academic, athletic, artistic, or special interest.