Federal Student Grants

One of your first choices to help finance your college education is with a Federal student grant. The advantage of the Federal student grant is that unlike student loans, student grants do not have to be repaid.

In order to apply for a Federal student grant, you must first complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal student grants are awarded based on financial need. In addition to federal student grants there are also state, university, community, and private student grants.

The following is a list of the Federal student grants that are available for your college education.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grants are available to college students working on an associates or Bachelor's degree.  There are some exceptions.  Teachers working on post-graduate certification programs are also sometimes awarded Federal Pell Grants. 

Federal Pell grants are one of the initial building blocks to help secure the financial needs for your college education.  It will take you some time to work through the application forms but don't get discouraged, because this form of student financial aid is well worth your effort.  Remember, the Pell Grant does not have to be paid back. Learn more about the Federal Pell Grant amount awarded and disbursement.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

For undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) can provide financial assistance.

Students that receive Pell Grants with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) will be given first consideration for the FSEOG. As with the Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid.

If you are awarded the FSEOG you can receive any amount between $100 - $4000 per year. The amount is based on when you apply, your financial situation, funding at the college you are attending, and the financial aid policies at your school.

When you are awarded the FSEOG, your college can pay you directly by check, credit your account, or a combination of the two methods. Your school will pay you at least once per term, either quarter, semester, or trimester. Colleges that don't use those terms must pay you twice per academic year.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

This is a new federal grant that was created to provide federal student aid to college students that are not eligible for the Pell Grant.

Starting with the 2010-2011 award year, a student that had a parent or guardian that was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died because of service performed in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001, might be eligible to receive this grant.

In order to qualify for this Service Grant, the student must be under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent's or guardian's death.

The amount of the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant award is the same as the maximum Pell Grant for the award year. For the 2010-2011 award year, the maximum for the Pell Grant is $5,550.00.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program in 2007. The TEACH Grant provides money to students that plan to teach in public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve students from low-income families.

There are several eligibility requirements and agreements that you must understand regarding the TEACH Grant award. Learn more about the TEACH Grant Program.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

Established in 2006, the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) was made available to first-year college students that graduated from high school and for second-year college students.

The ACG awards $750 for the first year of study and $1,300 for the second year. The amount of the AGC and the Pell Grant combined, must not exceed the student's cost of tuition.

In order to be eligible for the ACG a student must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen

2. Receive a Pell Grant

3. Be enrolled at least half-time

4. Be a first or second-year undergraduate student or a student in a certificate program of at least one year at a two or four year college.

5. If a first-year student, not have been enrolled in an ACG eligible program while at or below age of compulsory school attendance

6. If a second-year student, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of the first year of your undergraduate program.

7. Have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. A rigorous program is designated by State Education Agencies and recognized by the Secretary of Education. For a complete list of all rigorous criteria and programs visit the U.S. Education Department Web site.

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

The National SMART Grant is availabe to the third, fourth, or fifth years of undergraduate study. Students must be at least half-time, eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and are majoring in computer, life, or physical sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, critical foreign language, or a non-major single liberal arts programs.

You must also maintain a 3.0 GPA in course work required for you major. The National SMART Grant award is in addition to the Pell Grant award given to the student.

The National SMART Grant award can provide up to $4,000 for each of the last years of undergraduate study. The total amount of the SMART Grant and Pell Grant combined must not exceed the student's cost of tuition.

Summary of Federal Student Grants

In combination with other student financial aid, like Federal Student Loans, the Federal Student Grants are definitely worth the time and effort to prepare and submit the application. Who knows, you might reduce your college expenses by several thousand dollars and remember, you don't have to pay your federal student grant back!