Federal Grants

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Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Most grant aid is based on some type of need-based eligibility requirement; therefore, you must complete the FAFSA to apply for most grants. Scholarships, on the other hand, are based on performance or excellence in a field of study, sport, etc. Sources of grants and scholarships include Federal, state, private, and institutional funds. Although grants and scholarships are a very desirable source of financial aid, their availability is generally limited.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded based upon the analysis of the FAFSA, cost-of-attendance, and enrollment status (full time or part time). Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree or professional degree.

The maximum Pell Grant for 2008-2009 is $4,731.00. The maximum Pell Grant award can change each year based upon Congressional funding levels.

More information about Federal Pell Grants can be found in The Student Guide.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Preference is given to Pell Grant recipients whose need cannot be met throught Federal Pell Grant and other programs.

Students interested in applying must file by the University's priority deadline. More information about Federal SEOG can be found in The Student Guide.

The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National Smart Grant)

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant, also known as the National Smart Grant is available during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and 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. The National SMART Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award. A National SMART Grant will provide up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant

The Academic Competitiveness Grant is available for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award. An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.