State grants and the dates they keep

State grant programs can add a meaningful amount to your aid, but they work on their own calendars. Finding your state's dates early is often the difference between receiving a state award and missing it. Here is how state grants generally work and where to look up your own state's rules.

Who runs them

Each state has a higher education agency, sometimes called a student assistance commission or office of student financial aid. That agency runs the state's grants and publishes the rules for each one.

Most state grants are for residents attending a college within the state. Some require a minimum course load, a high school diploma earned in the state, or a certain period of residency. A few can be used out of state, but that is uncommon.

How you apply

Most states use the FAFSA, so filing it on time is usually the whole application. Some ask for an extra form or for the state's own application in addition.

A few states offer their own aid application for students who cannot file the FAFSA, including some students without lawful immigration status. Check your state agency's site to see whether yours does.

Look up these dates

• Your state's FAFSA deadline or priority date
• Any extra state form and its due date
• Your school's own priority filing date
• The renewal rules for each state award

Why the date matters

State deadlines are often much earlier than the federal deadline. Some states set a fixed date, others set a priority date, and some award grants in the order applications arrive until the money is gone.

That last approach means two students with the same need can end up with different results based only on when they filed. Filing soon after the FAFSA opens in October is the safest habit.

Keeping a state grant

Many state grants renew each year only if you file a new FAFSA, stay enrolled and keep up your grades. Some have a limit on the number of terms or years you can receive them. Your award letter or the state agency lists the renewal rules.

If you move to another state or transfer to a college outside your home state, a state grant usually stops. Tell both the state agency and your aid office before the move so you can plan for the gap.