Grants

Grants For College

Grants are similar to scholarships in that they do not have to be repaid. The most common grants are made available through federal government and state agencies, and not private funds. The Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and National SMART Grant are among the most common grants available for college.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is based on financial need. Since the Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need only, there is no minimum grade point average or other academic requirements (besides attending an eligible school). In order to find out if your school is eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, contact your school's financial aid department. You may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if you comply with the following:

1. Are pursuing your first undergraduate degree
2. Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
3. Have a high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate the ability to benefit from the program offered
4. Are not Incarcerated
5. Do not owe a refund on a Title IV grant
6. Are not in default on a Title IV loan
7. Have registered with the Selective Service (applies to males only)

To get started applying for a Federal Pell Grant, file a FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant awards range from $100 to $4,000. To find out if you are eligible for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, contact your school's guidance councilor or academic advisor.

National SMART Grant

National SMART Grant stands for Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent. The National SMART Grant awards up to $4,000 for the third and fourth years of a full time students undergraduate study who are majoring in physical sciences, life sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. You may be eligible for a National SMART Grant if you comply with the following:

1. Have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major
2. Are a U.S. citizen
3. Are eligible to receive a Pell Grant
4. Are enrolled as a full-time third or fourth year student in a baccalaureate degree program
5. Are you enrolled in an eligible major (listed above)

To get started applying for a National SMART Grant, file a FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov.