The Department of Education (ED) administers grant funding programs that fulfill ED's mission to promote student achievement, foster educational excellence, and ensure equal access.
ED offers three types of grants:
Discretionary grants
- Discretionary grants are awarded using a competitive, merit-based process. The number of discretionary grant opportunities depends on available funding from Congress, program competition cycles, and other program-specific factors.
Formula grants
- Formula grants do not use a competition process; rather, funds are distributed to state or local governments automatically based on a predetermined, legislated formula based on quantifiable data such as population, poverty levels, and other characteristics.
Student loans, grants, or work-study
- Often referred to as “federal student aid,” these programs, managed by ED’s Office of Federal Student Aid, help students pay for college or career school.
Below, learn more about grants and programs offered by ED.
From Pell grants to federal work study programs, learn how to find money to pay for a student’s higher education.
Find discretionary grant and program funds for State and Local Education Agencies (LEAs).
View discretionary grants available for institutions of higher education (IHE), including colleges, universities, and adult education programs.
Find discretionary grants for students from diverse backgrounds, for those with various special needs, and for other special populations.
Programs recognizing the excellence of students, schools, and school employees.
Discretionary grants that provide funds to assist in emergency situations.
Discretionary grants that support high-quality teacher preparation and professional development for prospective and new teachers.
Discretionary and formula grants to advance competitive integrated employment and support individuals with disabilities.
Formula grants are awarded based on a set formula rather than through a competitive process. Learn more about formula grants administered by ED.
The Federal Real Property Assistance Program conveys surplus Federal Real Property for educational purposes at fair market value.
Funding Forecast
Which grants will be available next? Find all programs and competitions for which the Department of Education expects to invite applications for new awards.
