Federal Grant Programs
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Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance that is funded and awarded by the federal government. Recipients must be enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to an associate’s or first bachelor’s degree, and meet all other eligibility criteria required for receipt of federal assistance, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). To receive a Pell Grant, an eligible student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be less than or equal to the maximum figure established by the federal government for the academic year. EFC is determined from the information reported on the FAFSA.
Application Process
To apply for the Pell Grant you must:
- complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. Although the FAFSA may technically be filed until June 30, 2010 for the 2009-2010 school year, Ohio State must have a valid EFC for you by the last day of classes spring quarter to award you a Pell Grant. We strongly suggest, therefore, that you file your FAFSA as early as possible, and no later than May 1, 2010. This is different from the priority deadline to be considered for other aid programs. You will automatically be considered for this award if you qualify based on your EFC once Ohio State has received your FAFSA information.
- list The Ohio State University school code (#003090) on the FAFSA.
How much will I receive?
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award for full-time students in the 2008-2009 academic year was $4,731. The minimum award was $890. Awards for students enrolled less than full-time will be prorated. For first-time Pell recipients during the 2009-2010 academic year, the maximum number of terms you can receive the grant is equivalent to 27 quarters (18 semesters).
What do I need to do to keep my award?
The Federal Pell Grant is a Title IV federal financial aid program, which requires that you meet all eligibility criteria, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), for receipt of federal aid. Please note that:
- if your FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, your award may change.
- you are no longer eligible for the Pell Grant once you have earned your first bachelor’s degree.
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Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is federally funded gift assistance awarded to first- or second-year full-time, undergraduate students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who are enrolled in the first or second academic year of their degree program and who have completed a rigorous high school program, or, earned an Honors or IB/AP diploma as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. First-year students must have graduated after January 1, 2006 and not been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program. Second-year students must have graduated after January 1, 2005 and have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the end of their first year.
Application Process
To apply for the Academic Competitiveness Grant you must:
- complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. Although the FAFSA may technically be filed until June 30, 2010 for the 2009-2010 school year, Ohio State must have a valid EFC for you by the last day of classes spring quarter to award you an Academic Competitiveness Grant. We strongly suggest, therefore, that you file your FAFSA as early as possible, and no later than May 1, 2010. This is different from the priority deadline to be considered for other aid programs.
- list The Ohio State University school code (#003090) on the FAFSA.
How much will I receive?
First-year students can receive up to $750 and second-year students can receive up to $1,300. The Department of Education, however, can reduce these amounts if more students qualify for the award than anticipated. This award, along with either scholarships and grants, cannot exceed your financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
What do I need to do to keep my award?
You may receive the Academic Competitiveness Grant for the awarded terms as long as you maintain at least half-time enrollment and meet all eligibility criteria, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), for receipt of federal aid. Please note that:
- if your FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, your award may change.
- you are no longer eligible for the Academic Competitiveness Grant once you have earned your first bachelor’s degree or completed 90 credit hours.
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National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART)
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART) is federally funded gift assistance awarded to third- or fourth-year enrolled at least half-time, undergraduate students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Recipents must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens who are enrolled in the third or fourth academic year of their degree program and who have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in coursework required for their major. Recipients must also be enrolled in one of the eligible math, science, technology, engineering, or designated foreign language majors (see a complete list of eligible majors at Ohio State) and must be enrolled in at least one course that meets the specific requirements of the National SMART Grant-eligible major to receive their grant each term.
Please note: Your estimated National SMART Grant must be reviewed each quarter, and grant funds will not be disbursed until the final grade run for the previous term confirms that the GPA and eligible major requirements are met. If you do not maintain the required GPA, the award will be removed for the next term. You must also be enrolled in coursework specific to your major. If you change to an ineligible major, the award will be removed for all future terms.
Application Process
To apply for the National SMART Grant you must:
- complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. Although the FAFSA may technically be filed until June 30, 2010 for the 2009-2010 school year, Ohio State must have a valid EFC for you by the last day of classes spring quarter to award you a National SMART Grant. We strongly suggest, therefore, that you file your FAFSA as early as possible, and no later than May 1, 2010. This is different from the priority deadline to be considered for other aid programs.
- list The Ohio State University school code (#003090) on the FAFSA.
How much will I receive?
You may receive up to $4,000 per year. This award, along with other scholarships and grants, cannot exceed your financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid.
What do I need to do to keep my award?
You may receive the National SMART Grant for the awarded terms as long as you remain in an eligible major, maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, at least half-time enrollment including major related coursework, and meet all eligibility criteria, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), for receipt of federal aid. Please note that:
- if your FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, your award may change.
- you are no longer eligible for the National SMART Grant once you have earned your first bachelor’s degree.
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is free assistance funded by the federal government and awarded by Ohio State. The FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need and low Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Priority consideration is given to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant, meet the priority deadline, and demonstrate the greatest financial need. Recipients must meet all the eligibility criteria required for receipt of federal assistance, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Application Process
To apply for the FSEOG you must:
- complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA by your priority deadline.
- list The Ohio State University school code (#003090) on the FAFSA.
How much will I receive?
According to federal guidelines, the maximum FSEOG award for an academic year is $4,000. The minimum award is $100. Due to limited funding, Ohio State cannot award the maximum allowed by program guidelines. For 2008-2009, the maximum award was $200 per quarter.
What do I need to do to keep my award?
You may receive FSEOG assistance as long as you maintain full-time enrollment and continue to meet all eligibility criteria, including Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), for receipt of federal aid. Please note that:
- if your FAFSA information changes as a result of verification, your award may change.
- you are no longer eligible for the FSEOG once you have earned your first bachelor’s degree.
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Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)
The Ohio State University is not offering the TEACH Grant at this time. We are in the process of determining how to implement the grant's provisions, and will notify eligible students when we are able to make this resource available.
Please see the program description on Student Aid on the Web for general information about the TEACH Grant.
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