Grants

Grants, like scholarships, do not have to be repaid. There are several options available through the federal government and state agencies:

• Federal Pell Grant.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
• Merit-based programs.

 

Federal Pell Grant

The largest federal grant program awards Federal Pell Grants, which are based on financial need. Students may be enrolled full-time or part-time. There are no minimum grade point averages (GPA) or other academic requirements, as long as the student is attending an eligible school.

 

If your child qualifies to receive a Pell Grant, the school will credit their college account, pay them directly, or combine these two methods of payment. The federal government guarantees that each participating school will receive enough money to pay the Federal Pell Grants of all eligible students.

 

Eligibility

• Students must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree.
• Students must be U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens and have a high school diploma or GED or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program offered.
• Students who owe a refund on a Title IV grant or are in default on a Title IV loan are ineligible. Eligible males receive funds only after they have registered with the Selective Service.
• Incarcerated students are ineligible.

 

Award amount

• Award amount depends on the level of funding Congress allots to the program. For the 2005-06 award year, the Pell Grant awards range from $400 to $4,050.
• Amount an individual student receives depends on Cost of Attendance (COA), Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), and if the student plans to attend full time or part time.

 

Application process

• As soon after January 1 of each school year, student completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education calculates financial eligibility (the official Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
• Families will receive the results via a Student Aid Report (SAR) in approximately two to four weeks listing the level of eligibility.
• Schools distribute the funds according to the Department of Education's payment schedule.
• Only one Federal Pell Grant can be received in an award year.
• Federal Pell Grant funds cannot be received from more than one school at a time.
• If your child receives a Federal Pell Grant, they may also be eligible for a Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

 

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Schools distribute the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) to students based on financial need. Part-time and full-time students are eligible for this federal program.

 

If your child qualifies to receive a FSEOG, the school will credit their college account, pay the amount directly, or combine the two methods.

 

Eligibility

• Federal regulations governing FSEOG require that undergraduate students who have "exceptional" financial need (the lowest EFCs) are eligible. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority but are not guaranteed a FSEOG.

 

Award amount

• Awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year.
• The exact amount of the grant depends on the date the student applied, the level of need, the funding level of the school the student plans to attend, and the policies of the school's financial aid office.
• Schools participating in the program receive a set amount of money to distribute to students.

 

Application process

The financial aid office determines eligibility based on information provided the student provided on the FAFSA.

 

Merit-based programs

Additional merit-based government programs:

• Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP), formerly known as State Student Incentive Grants (SSIG), is funded by individual states and the federal government. College financial aid advisors and high school counselors notify students if they qualify.
• The Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program is an award that recognizes and promotes student excellence and achievement. High school counselors have additional information.
• The National Science Scholars Program (NSSP) aids college-bound high school seniors who have achieved distinction in the sciences.
• The Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program, available in some states, helps outstanding academic achievers pursue teaching careers. High school counselors have additional information.