Grants are a form of financial aid that do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on financial need.
Federal Pell Grant Program
The Federal Pell Grant program provides grants for low-income students as determined by the FAFSA. This need-based grant is only awarded to eligible undergraduate students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Grants can be used for tuition, fees, and living expenses. The grant amount depends on the family’s financial need and on the student’s enrollment status. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other professional degree do not qualify for Pell Grants.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG program provides grants for students whose FAFSA results indicate exceptional financial need. This need-based grant is awarded to undergraduate students who qualify and is based on FAFSA completion. Funds are limited for the program, and grants are made to Pell Grant recipients first.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)
The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is a non-need-based grant available to any undergraduate student whose parent or guardian died because of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. Recipients must either have been less than 24 years of age or enrolled in an institution of higher education at the time of their parent or guardian’s death. If a student is not eligible for the Pell Grant, the IASG entitles the student to receive an amount equal to the maximum Pell Grant; if the student is eligible for a partial Pell grant, the IASG may qualify the student for an increase in funds up to the maximum Pell Grant.