Federal Pell Grants are awarded to social work students who have not yet earned an undergraduate degree. While award amounts change yearly, grants are typically less than $5,000.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program awards money to social work students who demonstrate a financial need that goes beyond the eligibility requirements for a Pell Grant. FSEOG awards usually range from between $1,000 and $4,000 per year; these recipients are also eligible to receive a Pell Grant.
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) program awards money to undergraduate social work students who are in their first two years of college and who graduated from a rigorous secondary school (as established by the U.S. Department of Education). ACG award recipients can also receive a Pell Grant.
Federal grants do not have to be repaid as long as a student remains in good academic standing and does not default on a federal student loan.
Social work students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for a federal grant. This application is used to evaluate a student's financial need.