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Federal Grants
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.
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