For college students, a car is a necessity. Having a car can give them the flexibility and freedom to travel, especially if they’re on campus. However, despite being an essential commodity in today’s world, cars can be expensive. That’s why several programs and charities make it their mission to provide free cars for college students.
College students programs provide deserving and eligible students with money to purchase a new or used car. Often, car grants for college students have easy-to-meet eligibility criteria that don’t require any extra work on the part of the student.
Eligibility Criteria To Get Free Cars
Regardless of their status, local charities and organizations require applicants to meet these criteria before receiving car grants:
- Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
- Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
- Applicant must not have any criminal offense.
- Applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
- Applicant must not be visually impaired.
- Applicant must not have a drug addiction.
Free Cars Resources
Various programs, charities, and non-profits have their own requirements. Some require college students to help with maintenance and servicing during the first three to six months before giving them a car.
Depending on the availability of resources and the needs of the students, these cars may be new or second-hand. NGOs, churches, and Goodwill organizations also offer support for struggling students. We rounded the best programs that give free cars to college students below.
Car Angel
Founded in 2003, Car Angel is an online nonprofit organization that gives free cars to college students. Before receiving a car, college students must present their academic and criminal records to determine eligibility.
Students who want to receive free cars must achieve a certain percentage of grades and have no criminal records. To learn more about the requirements for car grants, check out Car Angel’s website.
800-Charity Cars
Students across the nation can apply for free cars through 800-Charity Cars. Low-income students can contact them with their request for assistance.
As with the other organizations, they have eligibility requirements that must be met to qualify for car grants. Interested applicants can also visit their official website or office for more information.
Cars4Christmas
College students can also get free cars from Cars4Christmas, a non-profit organization that operates nationwide. If you are interested in applying, you might be asked to fill out an online application and write an essay on how a car would improve your life. Students with special needs like disabilities or medical conditions are generally given priority.
Good News Garage
Good News Garage is a non-profit organization that provides free cars to deserving students. Unlike other charities and organizations that operate nationwide, Good News Garage focuses on a particular location. So far, the charity has helped 4,400 students all over New Hampshire, Vermont, and New England.
Vehicles For Change
Vehicles for Change also has free car programs for college students in specific locations. This organization operates in Maryland, Columbia, Virginia, and Michigan. College students can apply for cars through this organization based on their academic performance.
Conclusion
Car grants for college students are available through different programs offered by charities, NPOs, or government organizations. Aside from car grants, some organizations also provide free laptops for college students.
If you would like more information, you can contact the respective organizations. Once you receive a free car from any of these programs, keep in mind that you must also shell out maintenance, fuel, and services expenses.
Car grants are not limited to college students only. Some organizations also offer free car grants for single mothers. Head over to Gov Relations today to learn more!
