Federal and state governments, as well as institutions, award several academic-based grants and scholarships, generally for the completion of certain courses in high school, grades or based on the student's field of study in college. Some scholarships require a separate application in addition to completing the FAFSA.

• Minnesota Achieve Scholarships are awarded to Minnesota high school graduates who complete a rigorous program of study while in high school or a home-school setting.

• Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants are awarded to students who demonstrated that they completed a rigorous high school program of study before enrolling in college.

• Federal SMART Grants are awarded to Pell-eligible students enrolled in the third and fourth years of bachelor's degree programs who are pursuing majors in mathematics, science, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language.

• Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to Minnesota students who demonstrated outstanding ability, achievement and potential in one of several subjects.

• Federal Robert C. Byrd Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.