Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are only awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or professional degree. The Pell Grant program is targeted to high need students, your eligibility will also depend upon your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is calculated utilizing a formula established by Congress when your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is processed. Eligibility for Pell Grant funds is determined by your EFC and enrollment status (fulltime, 3/4 time, 1/2 time, less than 1/2 time). These grants of up to $5,350 are awarded to undergraduate students.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need - that is, students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFCs) - and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. An FSEOG doesn't have to be paid back. These grants are made directly through the Office of Student Financial Services to students. Grants of up to $800 may be awarded.
Federal ACG And SMART Grants
These two new grant programs were recently funded for the 06-07 year by Congress as part of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA). Generally, to be awarded either of the new grants a student must also be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant (have an EFC below $3,850), be a U.S. citizen, and be enrolled full-time. In addition to these general requirements, there are program-specific requirements.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is available to students who:
- Are in their first or second year of college.
- Graduated from high school after January 1, 2005, and were not previously enrolled in an undergraduate program.
- Have completed a rigorous secondary school program.
- Have a 3.0 cumulative GPA for renewal in the second year.
The ACG will provide up to $750 for the first year of study and $1,300 for the second year of study.