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Grants

A grant is a type of gift aid that does not require repayment. Each grant has different requirements for eligibility. Eligibility for need based grants is determined by the information provided by the student on the FAFSA. You can use the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA4caster to get an idea of grant eligibility.

After the FAFSA is filed, you are automatically considered for the following grants based on your eligibility.

  1. Federal Pell Grant
  2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  3. Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
  4. Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant


Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and is based the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Pell Grants are awarded to both full and part-time undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. The award ranges from $200 to $4,310 per year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students with the lowest EFC and gives priority to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant. The award ranges from $200 to $2,000 per year and priority is given to students who meet the FAFSA priority application deadline of February 14. 

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
ACG is a two-year award offered to full-time freshman and sophomore undergraduate students who are Pell eligible and who have completed a rigorous academic program in high school. The award is $750 for the first year and $1,300 for the second year and is only available to U.S. citizens. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to qualify for the second year award. For more information visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site.

Federal Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
The SMART Grant is a two-year award offered to full-time junior and senior undergraduate students who are Pell eligible and who are enrolled in an eligible major in one of the following categories: computer science, engineering, critical foreign languages, life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, technology or multidisciplinary studies. The award is $4,000 for each year and is only available to U.S. citizens. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to qualify for this award. For more information visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Web site.

UMBC Grant (GIA)
UMBC Grant is an institutional award for undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. The awards range from $500 to $3,000 per year and priority is given to students who meet the FAFSA priority application deadline of February 14.