FAFSA - types of assistance

Federal Pell Grant

• Pell Grant funding is awarded to students with “exceptional need” and who have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Pell Grant funding amounts can change on an annual basis, but the maximum amount is currently set at $7,395 for the 2024-2025 award year. It is important to note that your student’s Pell Grant funding amount (if eligible) is determined by your student’s SAI, cost of attendance as determined by the college and program of study, enrollment status, attendance plans for the academic year, and other factors provided in the FAFSA form. In addition to the annual maximum award amount above, some students may also be eligible to receive additional Pell Grant funding during a summer term of attendance. Eligible students may receive Pell Grant funding for up to roughly six years of full-time undergraduate college enrollment.
  Note: Pell Grant funding does not “run out” during a given award year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• While not all schools participate in the FSEOG program, many schools award to students anywhere between $100 and $4,000 per year in FSEOG funding. Like the Pell Grant, FSEOG funds are distributed to students with exceptional need and who have not yet earned a college degree. Unlike the Pell Grant, specific eligibility criterion for FSEOG funding is determined by each institution.
  Note: FSEOG funds may run out; schools are provided a set amount of funding each year, and no additional awards can be made once the funding has been utilized.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

• In order to be eligible for a TEACH grant, students must be enrolled in a TEACH Grant eligible program at a participatory school, meet certain school and federally defined academic achievement requirements, receive TEACH Grant counseling, and sign an agreement to either “serve or repay”. Eligible students may receive TEACH Grant funding up to $4,000 per year while enrolled in a program of study that is required to begin a teaching career. A student must agree to serve as an elementary or secondary school teacher in a low-income serving school for four years and must complete the four years of service within eight years of degree completion.
  Note: A number of schools do not participate in this program.

Key Takeaways

• Your student must complete the FAFSA annually to determine federal grant eligibility.

• Several factors are considered in determining federal grant eligibility, but exceptional financial need is the most common factor.

• Your student’s college financial aid office will be able to assist you in determining your student’s federal grant eligibility.