What Is A Federal Seog Grant

The FSEOG awards grants of $100 to $4,000 a year to low-income undergraduate students.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available for low-income undergraduate students. In 2009, grants were available from $100 to $4,000 a year. They do not need to be repaid. Students must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for the FSEOG.

History

The FSEOG program began in 1966. Since its inception, the FSEOG has awarded millions of dollars to low-income students. As of 2009, it was the second-largest federal grant program, after the Pell Grant.

Eligibility

There are three main requirements to be eligible for the FSEOG: be enrolled as a college undergraduate in one of 4,000 participating universities; be a U.S. citizen; and demonstrate significant financial need.

Students do not need to fill out a separate application; submitting the FAFSA automatically puts students under consideration for this award. Students who receive the Pell Grant and have the lowest expected family contributions are the first people considered for the FSEOG.

Time Frame

The deadline for submitting a FAFSA is June 30. To qualify for state financial aid, check the FAFSA website for individual state deadlines (see Resources). The earlier you submit your FAFSA the better as available funding goes quickly.

Considerations

In 2009, there was a $700 million cap on the FSEOG program. Most schools that participate in the program must contribute 25 percent of the funds awarded. Students must maintain a good academic record to receive the FSEOG and be enrolled in at least six credits to qualify. Payments may be stopped on an FSEOG if these qualifications are not met.

Benefits

A low-income student is more able to pay tuition and complete his education with this grant. More than a million students each year receive an FSEOG. Although the average award was around $750, as of 2009, this amount of money helps students who have very low incomes pay for college, especially students who choose public schools and community colleges.

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