Federal & State Grants

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Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant

This grant is offered to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $400 to $4,731 per year. The actual amount is determined by the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Federal Pell Grant Schedule.

To renew this award each year, you must still demonstrate sufficient need per the FAFSA and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is offered to students who have exceptional financial need. Awards vary depending on need and the availability of funds.

To renew this award each year, you must still demonstrate sufficient need per the FAFSA and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Federal Academic Competiveness Grant

The Federal Academic Competiveness Grant (ACG) is offered to Federal Pell Grant recipients who meet certain academic and other eligibility criteria. Awards amounts range up to $750 for the first academic year of a student's program of study, and up to $1,300 for the second year.

First-year recipients must not have been previously enrolled in a program of undergraduate education, and must have completed their secondary school program of study after January 1, 2006.

Second-year recipients must have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average, and must have completed their secondary school program of study after January 1, 2005.

All Academic Competitiveness Grant recipients must:

  • be Pell Grant recipients
  • be U.S. citizens
  • be enrolled full-time
  • have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study
  • meet all other eligibility requirements

Federal Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant

The Federal Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is offered to Federal Pell Grant recipients who are studying computer science, engineering, technology, life science, mathematics, physical science, or a designated foreign language, and who meet other eligibility criteria.

Awards up to $4,000 are offered for each of the third and fourth academic years of undergraduate study.

SMART Grant recipients must:

  • be Pell Grant recipients
  • be U.S. citizens
  • be enrolled full-time in a four-year degree program
  • have at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average
  • be enrolled in an eligible program of study

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students (see below for more information on high-need fields and schools serving low-income students). As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant.

IMPORTANT: If you fail to complete this service obligation, all amounts of TEACH Grants that you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. You must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. You will be charged interest from the date the grant(s) was disbursed. Please consult the TEACH Grant Fact Sheet attached for more detailed information regarding this program. Should you meet the eligibility conditions and wish to apply, please complete the attached TEACH Grant Application.

State Grants

Most states provide grants for eligible residents. Although many states do not allow awards to be used at institutions in other states, awards from the following states may be used at American University: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Financial Aid Deadlines

Early Decision: CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: November 15, FAFSA: February 15
Regular Decision Freshman: FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: February 15
Transfer: FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE: March 1
Current (Continuing) AU Students: FAFSA: March 1

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