Federal Grants

Federal grants are “free money,” and do not have to be paid back. You should always explore all the free money opportunities available to you -- whether Federal, state or private -- before taking out a student loan.

Use the chart below to learn more about Federal grant programs. Click here for information about state grant, scholarship and award programs.

Federal Grants Quick Reference
Grants
Federal Pell Grant	Federal Pell Grants are given to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need as demonstrated on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)	The FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need; students who receive Federal Pell Grants have priority. FSEOGs are awarded by a college's financial aid office based on information in the FAFSA.
Academic Competitiveness Grant and National SMART Grant Programs National Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART)	The federal Academic Competitiveness Grant and National SMART Grant Programs provide funding for qualified undergraduate students majoring in mathematics, science, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language. The ACG applies in the first and second years of college and the SMART applies in the third and fourth years. Note: Not funded for the 2011-12 academic year.
TEACH Grant	The TEACH Grant program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant	A student who is not eligible for a Pell Grant, but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.