State and Federal Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grant Program

The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal grant aid program available to undergraduate students. It provides gift assistance to eligible students and is the “foundation” of financial aid packaging. Student eligibility is based on financial need, which is determined through statutory formulas developed by the U.S. Congress. To apply for the Federal Pell Grant, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at studentaid.gov . Students must also meet other eligibility criteria established by the federal government. [Federal Aid Eligibility Criteria]

College Access Program (CAP)

Students who are legal residents of Kentucky may apply for a grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. They must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at studentaid.gov . To receive this grant, students must submit the FAFSA as soon as possible on or after January 1st of each year. CAP Grant funding is contingent upon student eligibility and availability of state funds. Awards made until funds are depleted.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a form of gift assistance supplemental to the Federal Pell Grant. FSEOG provides grant assistance to make available the benefits of post-secondary education to qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for this grant. FSEOG funding is contingent upon student eligibility and availability of funds.

TEACH Grant

TEACH Grant The TEACH Grant program is a non-need based program that provides up to $4,000 per year to students enrolled in an eligible program and who agree to teach as a highly-qualified teacher in a high-need field, at a low-income elementary or secondary school for at least four years within eight years of completing the program for which TEACH Grant was awarded. Eligible undergraduate students may not receive more than $16,000, and graduate students may receive no more than $8,000 in total TEACH Grants.

In exchange for TEACH Grant aid, students must agree to serve as a full-time teacher at a federally designated low-income (Title I) school and teach in a specified high-need field for four academic years within eight years after completing their program. TEACH Grant recipients who do not fulfill their

teaching obligations must repay the grant as if it was an unsubsidized Direct Loan, with interest accruing from the date the grant was disbursed.

Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Submit a completed FAFSA and meet all federal student eligibility requirements*
  • Be admitted into the Teacher Certification program or eligible master’s program.
  • Enroll in a degree program that has been identified by the federal government as “high-need” (state by state listing)
  • Maintain a 3.25 GPA (high school GPA for first year undergrads) OR score in the 76th percentile or higher on at least one nationally-normed admissions test (SAT, ACT, GRE)
  • Complete and sign Agreement to Serve (ATS) on file with the Department of Education

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

A grant is available for students who are not Pell Grant-eligible 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 Sept. 11, 2001. In addition, at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death, the student was less than 24 years old or was enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education. The award maximum is the same as the Pell maximum, and amounts are adjusted for less-than-full-time study. Students must also meet the other eligibility criteria for Pell Grant. The maximum grant is given to any Pell Grant-eligible student 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 Sept. 11, 2001.