Become One of The 1.6 Million Federal SEOG Grant Recipients This Year…
Introduction
Over 1.6 million students will receive a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) this year! Also known as “SEOG grants,” this little known grant program awards close to one billion dollars annually with an average award amount of $600. Depending on your financial need, you can get up to $4,000!
Quick Facts:
- An estimated $1 billion is allocated annually for the FSEOG grant program.
- An estimated 1.6 million people are awarded a FSEOG grant annually.
- Award amounts vary from $100 to $4,000.
- Average award amount is $600.
- Individuals and Institutions of Higher Education may apply.
Overview
An FSEOG grant is a need-based, campus-based, “formula grant,” awarded to undergraduate postsecondary (college) students to help lower their educational expenses. A “formula grant,” is a special type of grant program that you do not have to compete for. The FSEOG grant is also classified as “campus-based” aid, meaning the grant program is administered through the financial aid office of the participating college. This is explained below.
The FSEOG grant program provides only grants, and therefore there is no repayment required. Priority is given to those students with an “exceptional financial need.” If you have already been awarded a Federal Pell Grant, your chances of getting an FSEOG grant increases as well.
How much money can I get?
FSEOG award amounts vary from $100 to $4,000 a year, with an average award amount of $600. Odds of receiving a FSEOG award all boil down to a few factors.
Factors include:
- Expected Family Contributions (EFCs) – The lower your EFC is with your school, the greater the odds are of you receiving this grant. Remember, this is a need-based grant
- When you apply – This “campus-based” aid, meaning your school is receiving a certain amount of funds each year. You can increase your odds of receiving a FSEOG grant by applying before your schools specific deadline. If you miss the deadline, you can always still apply for funding for the following year.
- Other aid you received – If you have already received a Federal Pell Grant then your odds of receiving a FSEOG grant increases.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an undergraduate enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a higher educational institution, which includes public, private non profit, postsecondary vocational, and proprietary schools.
- Must maintain positive academic progress according to the standards of the school.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- You do not owe any refunds or are in default with any federal student aid programs.
- Must file a FAFSA (see below).
- Must file a “statement of educational purpose.” If your FAFSA is selected for review, you will then be asked to confirm the information is accurate by reviewing and signing this short form.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and resident.
Checklist for getting a FSEOG grant.
Schools that participate in the FSEOG program receive certain amounts of money every year from the U.S. Department of Education. If the schools FSEOG funds have been exhausted for the year, you will have to apply for the following year. Each school sets it’s own deadlines. Just remember, the sooner you apply, the more likely it is that you will receive funding in time for the school year.
3 Steps to Getting a FSEOG Grant
- 3,800 schools participate in the FSEOG program. Check with the financial aid office of your school to see if they offer the FSEOG grant program, and when their application deadline is. Google their website for details, or contact them via phone.
- Watch the short videos located below to get a quick overview of the grant application process. Basically, you are going to have to fill out an application called the FAFSA to determine eligibility.
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The data you provide in the FAFSA will be used by your school to determine your award amount. You will then receive a letter in the mail from your school telling you how much financial aid you are eligible for. For assistance in completing the FAFSA you can either contact your schools financial aid office, or you call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC):
- Call toll-free at: 1-800-433-3243.
- For the hearing impaired please call: 1-800-730-8913.
- Non toll-free number: 319-337-5665.
How do I get paid?
Once you are awarded a FSEOG grant, your school will either automatically credit your student account, pay you directly, or do a combination of the two.
Your school is required by law to pay out funds at least once every term, or at least twice a year.
Video Tutorials
Additional Resources:
Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) – get information on Federal student financial aid programs, as well as free one-on-one support with filling out the FAFSA online.
Student Financial Aid Handbook – PDF file provided by the U.S. Department of Education explaining the financial aid process for students.
Federal Student Aid – a website provided by the U.S. Department of Education that offers free information on Federal aid, finding a career, choosing a college, and locating other non-Federal financial aid sources.
