FEDERAL GRANTS

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs)

Grants are awarded based solely on financial need.  Unlike loans, grants don't have to be repaid unless, for example, you are awarded funds incorrectly, did not complete the attendance requirments, etc... Complete the free application for federal student aid online with FAFSA on  the web.

What is a Federal Pell Grant?

Pell grants are the foundation of federal student aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.  Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students-those who haven't earned a bachelor's or graduate degree.  In some limited cases, however, you might receive a Pell Grant if you're enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate program.

What is a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant?

FSEOGs are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional; financial need-those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) numbers.  Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.

What is the difference between these grants?

If you're eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you'll receive the full amount you qualify for-each school participating in the program receives enough funds to pay the Pell amounts for all its eligible students.  The amount of other student aid you might qualify for does not affect your Pell Grant amount.

Unlike Pell Grants, the amount of FSEOG funds you receive depends not only on your financial need but also on the amount of other aid you get and the availability of funds at your school.

-Receiving other aid might reduce the amount of your FSEOG award.

FSEOGs are administered by the financial aid office at each school participating in the program.  We provide a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year to those schools.  When all funds are used for that award year, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year.

How much money can I get?

How much you get depends on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), your cost of attendance, whether you're a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less.  You may receive only one Pell Grant in an award year, and you may not receive Pell Grant funds for more than that one school at a time.

FSEOGs- you can get between $100 and $600 a year, depending on when you apply, your financial need, and the funding level of the school you're attending.

How will I be paid?

Your school will credit your grant funds to your school account, subtract out the balance that you owe and send you a refund of the remaining funds by mail in check form.  Schools must disburse funds at least once per term (semester).

Can I receive a grant if I'm enrolled less than half-time?

Yes, if you're otherwise eligible.  You won't receive as much as if you were enrolled full time, however.

FAFSA On The Web Banner Ads/Images/Icons link:  http://www.nasfaa.org/NewsLetters/Daily/2007/eaedbannerads040207