Grants

We offer a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools. Grants, unlike loans, are financial aid that do not have to be repaid. Use this page for a quick review of the eligibility requirements for each grant program. For additional details, you can click on the name of the grant.

You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^sm) to apply for the grants listed on this page. Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other factors. Read more about student aid eligibility.

Federal Pell Grant

You must be an undergraduate student who does not have a bachelor's or a professional degree. If you are enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teaching certificate program, you also may receive a Pell grant.

Current Year Award Amount: The maximum award is $5,550.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

You must be eligible to receive a Pell Grant and have exceptional financial need.

Current Year Award Amount: Between $100 and $4,000 depending on when you apply and other factors.

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

For students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant only because of that program's need requirements and whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001 (additional conditions apply).

Current Year Award Amount: The current maximum is $5,500, but cannot exceed the cost of attendance for that award year.

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

For undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, or graduate students who are or will be taking coursework necessary to become elementary or secondary teachers. You must be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program, agree to meet specific requirements, and sign the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.

NOTE: The Academic Competitiveness Grant and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant are no longer available as of July 1, 2011.

Other non-federal grants

Some schools provide institutional grants to help with education expenses that cannot be met through income, savings, loans, and student earnings. Merit awards or merit scholarships, are awarded on the basis of academic achievement. Some grants come with special privileges or obligations. You'll want to find out about the types of grants awarded by each college you are considering.

Explore Other Sources of Aid