Grants are financial aid awards that do not have to be repaid. Most grant programs are based upon financial need and may be used to help pay for tuition, room and board, books and other fees. Most grants for college students also require students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Grants for College Students
In addition to filing the FAFSA, some programs may request additional documentation for the grant application process, such as tax returns and bank statements, in order to determine the student’s financial need. Grants come from a variety of sources including the federal government, state agencies, and many colleges and universities.
Federal Government Grants
Students who complete the FAFSA may be offered one or more of the following federal grants if their Expected Family Income (EFC) meets eligibility guidelines.
Pell Grant
Students who have not received a bachelor’s degree, professional degree, or those in a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate program may qualify for the Pell Grant. The amount of the grant will be based upon financial need, enrollment status (part-time or full-time), cost to attend school, and whether or not the student will be enrolled for a full academic year.
Students under 24 years of age, who are enrolled as a part-time student (at minimum), and have lost a parent (or guardian) as result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, will receive the full amount. The Pell Grant program now limits funding to a total of 12 semesters.
Fast Facts:
- Available the the neediest undergraduate students only
- Up to $5,775 for the 2014/2015 award year
- Eligibility for full-time students based on EFC from zero to 5157
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need will be considered for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Those students with lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be considered first, as there is a limited amount of funding allocated to each school for this program.
Grant amounts range from $100 – $4,000/ year and are disbursed in two payments. Your school’s financial aid office will determine your eligibility and the amount available to you will be included in your financial aid award letter.
Fast Facts
- Available to undergraduate students with significant financial need
- Up to $4,000
- Student usually must be Pell eligible
- Not available at all schools
- Financial aid office at school determines eligibility and amount
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Created through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program awards up to $4,000 to students who intend to teach in public or private schools that serve low-income students.
In exchange for the grant funding, students agree to teach full-time in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students for a minimum of four (4) years within eight (8) years of graduating. If the student fails to meet this requirement, the grant will be converted to a federal direct unsubsidized student loan.
Fast Facts
- Up to $4,000/year, but reduced to $3,964.40 for grants disbursed between October 1, 2013 and October 1, 2014. The maximum amount is reduced by .89% due to sequestration
- Available to undergraduate, post baccalaureate, or grad students who are or will be studying to become an elementary or secondary school teacher
- Must work four years (within eight of graduating) full-time in a high need field at a school or educational service agency which serves low-income students
- Must attend a participating college or university
- Must meet academic requirements
- If student fails to conclude service component, grant will be converted into a Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan that must be repaid
- Learn more about the TEACH grant program at www.teachgrant.ed.gov
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
A student who is under 24 years of age, enrolled at least part-time in school, and NOT qualified to receive the Pell Grant, may be eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan Grant if his/her parent (or guardian) died in Iraq or Afghanistan as a result of military service performed after Sept. 11, 2001. The amount of the grant is equal to the Pell Grant maximum, but cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Fast Facts
- Up to $5,317.44 for grants disbursed between October 1, 2013 and October 1, 2014. The maximum amount is 92.8% of the Pell grant maximum due to sequestration.
- Available to students who lost a parent or guardian during military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11
- Must have an EFC that makes the student ineligible for a Pell grant.
- Must be less than 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death