Federal Grant Programs
Federal Grant Programs
Federal grants are a key form of need-based financial aid that help make college more affordable for eligible students.
These funds do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded based on your FAFSA or WASFA application, your income level, and your enrollment status. Applying early and maintaining eligibility are the best ways to maximize your grant funding.
Federal Grant ProgramsExplore Grant Opportunities
The Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is need-based aid that provides assistance to low income undergraduates to promote access to post secondary education.
How is Pell Grant eligibility determined?
- Maximum Pell Grant - Students may qualify for a maximum Pell Grant based on family size, adjusted gross income, poverty guidelines, and tax filing status. Students qualifying for a maximum Pell Grant will have a Student Aid Index (SAI) between –1500 and 0.
- Student Aid Index (SAI) - Students who don’t qualify for a maximum Pell Grant may still be eligible if their calculated SAI is less than the maximum Pell Grant award for the award year. The student’s Pell Grant award will be equal to the maximum Pell Grant for the award year minus their SAI.
- Minimum Pell Grant - Students whose SAI is greater than the maximum Pell Grant award for the award year may still be eligible for a Pell Grant based on family size, adjusted gross income, and poverty guidelines. Learn more about Pell Grant Eligibility.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered for a FSEOG. Find information about Federal SEOG Eligibility.
TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant/Loan is a federal program that provides up to $4,000 per year for students who plan to become teachers in a high need field at an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students.
More information can be found here: learn about the TEACH Grant/Loan.
Eligibility
- Meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Enroll in a Teach-Grant-eligible program
- Meet academic achievement requirements in one of two ways:
- Score above the 75th percentile in one or more portions of a college admissions test
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater
Application Information
To apply, submit the CWU | Teach Application. Read and complete each section. Incomplete applications will result in processing delays.
Submit the form to FinancialAid@cwu.edu.
Processing
TEACH is a complex award. Processing can take 3-4 weeks. Students will receive a communication as each step is completed.
- Documents are sent via email to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
- The application is uploaded to the student's file and a To Do List item is added - FA:TEACH Revision Req Received.
- After review, the student will receive notification via email. If a TEACH Grant/Loan is awarded, the aid offer will be updated. If more information is needed, students will have one week to provide the additional details.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
You may be eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) if your parent or guardian died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. Connect with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
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