Federal Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a need based grant awarded to students based upon the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Federal Government determines the amount to award each student according to a standardized formula and demonstrated need. The maximum annual award is $4050.

National Academic Competitiveness Grants

The National Academic Competitive Grant (ACG) was introduced in 2006 to reward freshman and sophomore full time undergraduate students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have taken a rigorous high school course of study. This grant is in addition to the student's Federal Pell Grant. To view specific qualifications and award amounts click here.

National Science and Mathematics Access To Retain Talent (SMART) Grants

The National SMART grant was introduced in 2006 and is available during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. The student must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. This grant is in addition to the student's Federal Pell Grant award. For more information and a list of majors, click here.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG grant is a need based grant awarded to students based upon information submitted on the FAFSA, www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must have exceptional financial need. Awards are based on Federal funding levels and can range from $100-$1000 annually. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients first. The institution determines the amount awarded and the funds are limited.

Federal TEACH Grant (New in 2008)

A $4000 per year service related grant is available to undergraduates who are going into the teaching profession. Maximum undergraduate limit is $16,000 (Legislation is still being established for this program, we highly recommend that you review the service terms carefully before requesting this grant).

Eligible students must have (and maintain) a 3.25 grade point average or receive a score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test (i.e. ACT, SAT).

TEACH Grant recipients must commit to teach in high-need schools and high-need fields for a minimum of four years within eight years of finishing their teaching degree or certification. Failure to fulfill the commitment will result in the grants converting to Unsubsidized Stafford Loans with back dated interest payments.

The following teaching fields are targeted for TEACH grants: mathematics, science, foreign language, special education, bilingual education, reading specialists, or other fields documented as high-need by the Federal Government, State Government, or local educational agency, and approved by the Secretary. Remember these subjects must also be taught in a high needs school to qualify.

TEACH Grants should become available in July 2008. It is expected that the Department of Education will issue further regulations for implementation.

For more information go to www.teachgrant.ed.gov.