Grants
A grant is a need-based form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Grants are generally provided by individual states or the federal government and include:
Federal Grants
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Federal Pell Grants - This is the most common form of federal aid. They are need based, provided by the federal government and awarded by schools.
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) - These grants are awarded by schools and provide assistance for undergraduates with the greatest financial need. The program gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants.
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Federal Academic Competitiveness (AC) Grants - AC Grants are available to first and second year students who have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study, are U.S. Citizens, enrolled full-time, and who are determined to be Pell eligible.
- First year recipients who are eligible may receive up to $750.
- Second year students may receive up to $1,300, but must have a 3.0 cumulative to be eligible.
- Eligibility is determined based on completion and evaluation of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Notification will be provided by the U.S. Department of Education. For further information consult with your high school counselor or contact the financial aid office of the college of your choice.
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National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants - U.S. Citizens, who are enrolled full-time in a four-year degree-granting institution who major in physical, life, or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and/or critical foreign language, plus, retain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and are Pell eligible, may qualify. These funds are limited to third and fourth year college students and they may be awarded as much as $4000 dollars a year.
For additional information regarding Utah specific requirements please visit:
www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/ut06.pdf
Utah State Grants
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Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education (UCOPE) Grants - UCOPE grants are funded by the state of Utah for Utah residents attending schools in Utah. Schools make the awards. All applicants must complete the FAFSA. Funds are limited, so apply early.
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Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) - LEAP is also a campus-based grant. Your college or university, with funds from the state of Utah, matches federal funds and allocates these grants to students that meet federally defined guidelines. For eligibility requirements and application materials, please contact the school financial aid office. Again, funds are limited, so apply early. All applicants must complete the FAFSA.
