Federal Grants

If you qualify for federal financial aid, you may receive a federal grant, which comes in two forms:

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to every qualified undergraduate student, and unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. You must qualify financially, be in an eligible program, and not have already earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Although not everyone qualifies for these need-based grants, all students should apply.

Students who qualify may receive one Pell Grant per academic year in amounts ranging from $555 - $5550 (for the award year beginning July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2011). The actual amount of your Pell Grant is based on your cost of education, the number of credit hours of your courses, and the Federal Pell Grant Program Regulations.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) provide money to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional need, and like Federal Pell Grants, do not have to be repaid. Funds in amounts from $375 to $1500 per academic year are awarded to students based on financial need, the program of study and the availability of funds to our school. Priority is given to students receiving a Pell Grant. (This program is not available at our Minnesota location.)

Academic Competitiveness Grant

The maximum grant award for a first academic year eligible undergraduate student is $750; the maximum award for a second academic year eligible undergraduate student is $1,300.

ACG Requirements

To receive an ACG, a student must:

• receive a Federal Pell Grant during the same award year
• be a U.S. citizen
• be a first- or second-year full-time undergraduate student in an eligible program;
• provide an academic transcript that documents completion of a rigorous secondary school program of study; and:
• if a first-year student–have completed secondary school after Jan. 1, 2006, or
• if a second-year student–have completed secondary school after Jan. 1, 2005, and have at least a 3.0 grade point average.