Grants are financial awards that you don't have to pay back. They're typically based on financial need, which means they look at your family's income and other factors to determine eligibility. Think of grants as a helping hand for those who might need a little extra support to afford college. The federal government, state governments, and even some colleges offer grants. A classic example is the Pell Grant, which is awarded based on financial need.

On the other hand, scholarships are also financial awards that you don't have to pay back, but they're usually based on merit. This means they consider your grades, GPA, major, personal accomplishments, experiences, or even your identity. Scholarships can come from a variety of sources, including the government, colleges, and private organizations. They're like a pat on the back for being awesome in some way, whether it's academically, athletically, or through community service.

In summary, while both grants and scholarships are fantastic because they don't require repayment, grants are typically need-based, and scholarships are usually merit-based.