What option do you choose for filing a 1099-NEC for a grant towards an education loan?

[MaryK4]

You can enter the 109--NEC or file it as Miscellaneous Income.  TurboTax will report it the same, but you may not be forced to upgrade if you use the Miscellaneous Income option.  

If you want to enter the 1099-NEC, follow these steps:

1. Did you get a 1099-NEC? Yes
2. Uploading your 1099-NEC makes taxes easier TYPE IT IN MYSELF
3. What type of income is on your 109–NEC?  HOBBY
4. OK, lets’ get some details from your 109–NEC

You can also enter as Miscellaneous income:

1. Under Less Common Income select Miscellaneous Income, 1099-A, 1099-C 
2. On the Let's Work on Any Miscellaneous Income page, select Start to the right of Other reportable income
3. On the Any Other Taxable Income? screen, select Yes
4. On the Other Taxable Income screen enter the description and amount. (I would enter 1099-NEC with Name of Payer for clarity).  Select Continue
5. On the Other Miscellaneous Income Summary screen, select Done

Grants awarded for payment toward your student loans must be reported as income on your federal tax return.  (See FAQ)

[Hal_Al]

Apparently last year's way of handling a 1099-NEC, as sporadic income, is no longer available.   

Since this is essentially additional compensation, paying social security and Medicare tax appears appropriate. "Self Employment Tax (SET) is how the self employed pay their  social security and Medicare tax.