Federal Grants
Grants are “free money” that does not have to be paid back. They are awarded based on need.
Federal Pell Grant
The amount of each grant is based on the student’s eligibility which is determined by the results of the student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the number of credit hours they are enrolled in each semester. The Pell grant is offered Fall and Winter semester. It is awarded based on full time status, which is 12 credits or more and will automatically adjust based on actual credit hours of enrollment. Pell grant pays based on credit hours, at a full or part time status.
Pell grant awarded in the Spring/Summer is based on the student’s unused annual eligibility. This may include Pell grant used in the Fall and Winter at a different school or college. All students who qualify for year round Pell grant must be registered at least half-time (6 credit hours or more) during the Spring/Summer. Students must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements in order to be eligible.
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) award is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to students whose FAFSA indicates the highest need until funding is depleted. SEOG is awarded at the discretion of the Financial Aid office and is subject to change. Student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements in order to be eligible.
SEOG Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant
Eligibility: Based on financial need; maximum lifetime limit of 6 full-time Pell awards
Terms: Students enrolled less than 12 credits will have grant adjusted based on credit hours.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Eligibility: Must be Pell eligible; early FAFSA application
Amount: Up to $4500 per term
Terms: At least half-time enrollment (6-8 credits)
SC Educational Grant
Eligibility: Based upon financial need
Amount: Up to $500/term
Terms: Must be meeting SAP; apply for grant via the scholarship application
Notes:
- Must be admitted into a Title IV eligible degree granting program to receive a grant.
- Grants are limited to students who do not have a bachelor’s degree.
- Eligibility criteria is subject to change; maximum amounts are estimates and dependent upon sufficient funding.
- Early FAFSA application means limited funding; awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is depleted.