How to apply for a grant from the U.S. government
It’s really easy—just fill out your FAFSA each year. You’ll automatically be considered for federal grants.
Learn more about the grants below:
If you’re an undergraduate working toward your first degree and you need money to pay for your education, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
To qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, you must:
- File your FAFSA each year (we recommend that you file by April 15)
- Be enrolled in at least 1 credit hour per semester (waitlisted classes don’t count)
- Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
You can receive the Federal Pell Grant for up to six years (12 scheduled semester awards). If you have a current FAFSA on file each year, you’ll automatically be considered.
How much does the Federal Pell Grant program award?
The amount you're awarded will depend on your Student Aid Index (SAI) (calculated based on your FAFSA) and the number of hours in which you're enrolled.
If you receive a Federal Pell Grant, filed your FAFSA by April 15, and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0, you’ll automatically be considered for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
How much does the Federal SEOG award?
Federal SEOG amounts vary according to your need. They also vary from year to year.
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number that your college’s or career school’s financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attended the school. This number results from the information that you provide on your FAFSA form. This number is not a dollar amount of aid eligibility or what your family is expected to provide. A negative SAI indicates the student has a higher financial need.
