You’ve probably seen claims floating around online about a $38,000 grant to go back to school. It sounds amazing—one check that could cover tuition, books, and maybe even living expenses.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single federal program that hands out $38,000 in one lump sum. No one grant will cover that much at once.
But before you scroll past or assume it’s a scam, don’t worry. Students can reach and sometimes exceed that total over a few years by combining multiple federal and, in some cases, state grants.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to get some free money to go back to school, breaking down exactly how the $38,000 figure is calculated, which grants make it possible, how to apply, and how to avoid scams.
That way, whether you’re a first-time college student or someone looking to retrain for a new career, you’ll know what grants are actually available and how to access them.
Can Felons Qualify for a $38,000 grant to go back to school?
If you’re a felon thinking about going back to school, you might be worried that your conviction makes you ineligible for these grants. The good news is that felons can receive the same grants as everyone else, but there are a few points to keep in mind.
Federal Grants And Felons
Pell and FSEOG grants are generally available to felons. There’s no ban on applicants with felony convictions.
Drug-related convictions used to affect Pell eligibility, but recent updates have removed most restrictions. Always check the FAFSA rules carefully.
Independent status can help. Many returning citizens are automatically considered independent students, which can increase the amount of grant aid you qualify for.
What if you’re still incarcerated? Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students was restored in 2023.
To qualify while still in prison, you must be enrolled in a federally approved Prison Education Program (PEP).
Students who were previously disqualified may be eligible for Pell restoration once they meet the program requirements.
There’s also a lifetime limit of grant funding for 12 full-time semesters. If you’ve received Pell in the past, that will count toward your limit.
Pell Grants aren’t paid all at once; they’re distributed each year while you remain eligible. If you’re going to attend a 4-year college program and qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, you won’t get a check for $29,580; you’ll get $7,395 for the current year.
The Pell Grant: The Biggest Federal Grant For Students
The first grant you need to know about is the Federal Pell Grant. This is the largest federal grant available for low and moderate-income students, and it’s designed to help pay for tuition, fees, and other education-related costs.
For the 2026-2027 school year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 per year. That’s the top award; not everyone gets it, but it’s the number that usually fuels the “$38,000” math you’ve seen elsewhere.
How Pell Eligibility Works
Your award depends on a few things:
1. Student Aid Index (SAI): Basically, how much you’re expected to contribute toward your education based on your FAFSA.
2. Cost of Attendance (COA): Your school’s total costs, including tuition, fees, books, and sometimes housing.
3. Enrollment status: Full-time or part-time.
4. Financial need: Your COA minus your SAI equals what federal grants can cover.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say your school costs $16,000 for the year, and your SAI is $9,000. That leaves $7,000 in financial need, meaning your Pell Grant would be worth $7,000 for that year.
How Much Pell Can Add Up To
If you qualify for the maximum Pell award every year:
- 3-year program: $7,395 × 3 = $22,185
- 4-year program: $7,395 × 4 = $29,580
That’s already a huge chunk of the so-called $38,000 grant.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The next big grant is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or FSEOG for short.
The FSEOG is an extra grant for students with exceptional financial need. While the Pell Grant covers a big portion of your costs, the FSEOG can help fill in the gaps.
How Much You Can Get
- Awards go up to $4,000 per year
- Funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by each school
- Not every student will get the full $4,000
Over multiple years, FSEOG adds significantly to your federal aid:
- 3-year program: $4,000 × 3 = $12,000
- 4-year program: $4,000 × 4 = $16,000
Combining Pell And FSEOG
Here’s where the “$38,000 grant” math starts to make sense. If you qualify for both the maximum Pell and the maximum FSEOG:
- Annual total: $7,395 (Pell) + $4,000 (FSEOG) = $11,395 per year
- Over 4 years: $11,395 × 4 = $45,580
- Over 3 years: $11,395 × 3 = $34,185
Even in a 3-year program, you’re already hitting close to that $38,000 number.
State Grants Can Boost Your Total Aid
While federal grants provide the majority of student financial aid, many states also offer grants and scholarships that stack on top of Pell and FSEOG, which is how some students can get close to, or even exceed, $38,000 in total funding over a few years.
These programs vary by state and are usually based on financial need, residency, and enrollment in an eligible program. Here are a few examples:
New York Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): Offers awards up to $6,700 per year for eligible New York residents attending college. TAP can cover tuition and fees after federal grants are applied.
Texas Grant: Provides funding for students attending public colleges in Texas. Combined with Pell and FSEOG, it can cover a significant portion of tuition costs.
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): Helps low-income students attending public colleges and universities in Florida, with awards that vary based on need and program.
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP Grant): Pays a portion of tuition for students attending Illinois public colleges, stacking on top of federal grants.
Depending on your state and program, state grants can fully cover tuition at community colleges or make four-year degree programs far more affordable.
Check your state’s higher education website for the latest eligibility rules and deadlines. Many state grants are “first-come, first-served,” just like FSEOG, so early FAFSA filing is essential.
How To Apply For Grants And Avoid Scams
Now that you know which grants can add up to $38,000 (or more), the next step is applying correctly and making sure you don’t fall for scams.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to federal and many state grants.
- Submit it as early as possible. Some programs like FSEOG and state grants have limited funds
- Your FAFSA determines your Student Aid Index (SAI), which affects how much Pell and FSEOG you can get
- Make sure all information is accurate to avoid delays
- Apply using the official government link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Step 2: Watch Deadlines
- Federal aid opens every October 1 for the following school year
- State grants often have earlier deadlines than federal programs
- Early submission increases your chances of securing FSEOG and first-come, first-served state grants
Step 3: Avoid Grant Scams
Unfortunately, a lot of “$38,000 grant” ads are scams. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Never pay a fee: Legitimate federal and state grants are always free to apply for
- Use official sources only: Always use FAFSA or your state’s higher education website
- There are no guaranteed payouts: Anyone promising a guaranteed grant check is not legitimate
- Be careful with personal information: Never give your Social Security number, banking info, or other sensitive data to unknown sites
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick with official federal or state portals, and consult your school’s financial aid office if you’re unsure.
Free Grants To Go Back To School For Unemployed Workers
If you’ve lost your job or are looking to train for a new career, there are grants specifically designed to help unemployed workers get back into school or vocational programs, and in many cases, these programs can cover tuition entirely.
Federal Grants For Low-Income And Unemployed Students
Because unemployment often means a very low income, most people in this situation qualify for the maximum Pell Grant and FSEOG. Combined with state grants, these funds can fully cover the cost of attending an in-state community college or vocational program.
Workforce Innovation And Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs
The WIOA provides funding for job seekers to gain the skills and credentials needed to get good jobs in high-demand fields. Funding is often available for:
- High School Diplomas and GED Programs: Adults who haven’t finished high school can get help completing their education
- Certificate Programs: Short-term programs, sometimes just a few months, in fields like IT certifications, medical billing, pharmacy technician, or HVAC training
- Associate Degrees: Some Workforce offices partner with community colleges to fund associate degree programs in fields such as nursing, IT, or business administration
- Skilled Trades: Electrician, plumbing, carpentry, CNC machining, welding, automotive tech, and other hands-on trades are commonly covered
How to get started:
- Contact your local job center to find programs that match your career goals
- Apply for federal grants through FAFSA
- Combine state, federal, and WIOA funding to cover tuition, fees, and sometimes books or other materials
Even if you’re unemployed, there are multiple pathways to get back to school without taking on debt, making it much more realistic to reach that “$38,000” funding level over a few years.
Find your nearest American Job Center: https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/AmericanJobCenters/american-job-centers.aspx
State Grants
Most state grant programs allow felons to participate, particularly for:
- Vocational programs
- Community college courses
- High-demand career training
Check your state’s eligibility rules carefully, as they can vary widely.
Even if you’ve faced legal challenges, you can still qualify for substantial grant funding. Combined with federal and state programs, you could cover most or all of your tuition over a 3- or 4-year program.