The Federal Government awards Pell grants through participating institutions to many undergraduate students based on their financial need. The amount of money provided by these Pell Grants differs based on a number of factors including your expected family contribution, your cost of attendance, your enrollment status, and whether you are completing a full year or only a semester. Simply fill out your FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid and your college or university will determine whether or not you are eligible for a Pell grant.
The Federal Government also awards grants for undergraduate students who completed a rigorous curriculum in high school. To be eligible for this grant you must be in your first or second year of your undergraduate work, have a 3.0 grade point average, and not have previously received an Academic Competitiveness Grant. To determine if your high school curriculum qualifies as rigorous visit the U.S. Department of Education's website. These grants range in value from $750 to $1,300. To apply for an Academic Competitiveness Grant you will need to fill out your FAFSA and bring documentation of your completion of a rigorous high school curriculum to your institutions financial aid office.
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant or National SMART Grant is also available to returning third- or fourth-year students. To be eligible for this grant you must be majoring in one of the following subject areas: physical science, life science, computer science, mathematics, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language. You must also have a 3.0 grade point average or higher in the coursework required for your major. These grants are worth a maximum of $4,000 but will not exceed your cost of attendance. To apply for a SMART grant, fill out your FAFSA and contact your school's financial aid office. Your college or university will determine your eligibility and award you a National SMART grant after receiving your FAFSA.
The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant or TEACH Grant is ideal if you are a perspective teacher. To be eligible for a TEACH Grant you must be enrolled at either the undergraduate or graduate level pursuing course work that is necessary to begin a career in teaching. You must also have a 3.25 grade point average in the course required for your teaching degree or certification. TEACH grants provide recipients with up to $4,500 a year. If you decide to pursue a TEACH grant, you will be required to teach for four academic years in an elementary or secondary school in a low-income area. To apply for a TEACH Grant you must undergo initial and subsequent counseling before you can sign your agreement to serve and receive your grant. Contact your school's financial aid department as well as your institutions teaching program for more information.