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.
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
- Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
- Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education (TEACH) 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 $304 to $2,675 per semester (summer, fall, spring).
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 freshman
and sophomore undergraduate students who are Pell eligible and
who have completed a rigorous academic program in high school.
The award is up to $750 for the first year and up to $1,300 for the second
year and is only available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-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 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 up to $4,000 for each year and is only available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Students
must have a 3.0 GPA to qualify for this award. For more information visit
the Smart Grant website.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH is a program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a
full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students.
You must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant. For more information visit the Teach Grant Program website.
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.
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