Question

Desmond told his two friends, Marley and Brianna, that he was awarded a $10,000 grant for college if he becomes a math or science teacher. Desmond wants to teach physics.

Marley told him he should take the grant. Brianna told him not to take the grant. Which statement about their advice is true?
Marley is correct because a grant is like a gift and he can still get scholarships or loans to pay for the rest of his expenses.
Marley is correct because he can take the grant and then study whatever he chooses without paying it back if he changes his mind about his career.
Brianna is correct because he cannot get scholarships if he takes the grant and scholarships would pay more of his education costs.
Brianna is correct because grants are like loans and must be paid back. He should wait and see what scholarships and work-study programs he qualifies for.

Answer 1

The first statement is true.

A grant is generally gift aid (not a loan) and doesn’t have to be repaid as long as you fulfill its conditions. Since Desmond wants to teach physics (a science), he meets the grant’s requirement and can accept it. He can also still pursue other scholarships or take out loans for remaining costs, though other aid packages may be adjusted and some scholarships have their own restrictions. (He should read the grant’s terms carefully—if he later fails to meet the teaching commitment he may have to repay it.)