Grant Programs

NEW FOR 2008 - Teach Grant Information

Grants generally do not have to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grant Program is designated for undergraduate students working toward a first undergraduate degree. The amount of your grant is determined by the Cost of Attendance, the Expected Family Contribution provided by the U.S. Department of Education, and your enrollment status. If you are enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours), you will receive your full eligibility. If you are enrolled nine to eleven credit hours, you will receive three-fourths of your eligibility. If you are enrolled six to eight credit hours, you will receive one-half of your eligibility. If you are enrolled less than six credit hours, you may be eligible for approximately one-quarter of your eligibility each semester. Those students whose Pell Grant eligibility for the coming academic year is less than $850.00 and plan to enroll for less than half-time, should contact the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) to determine if they will be Pell Grant eligible. VSU freezes enrollment for the determination of Pell Grant eligibility at the time of initial disbursement. No adjustments for changes in the enrollment can be made after disbursement is made. (i.e. courses added for subsequent sessions within a term)

Federal SEOG
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is designated for undergraduate students. Eligibility is based on Established Financial Need, and funding is limited to students with Federal Pell Grant eligibility.

Federal ACG
The Academic Competition Grant (ACG) is a federal grant program for students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, who completed a rigorous high school course of study and who are in their first two years of a two or four year college degree program. In order to receive ACG funds, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 semester hours) each semester. If a student does not enroll full time, they will not be eligible for future ACG funds. In order to renew the ACG for a second year, a student must remain eligible for a Pell Grant, successfully complete 24 semester hours during their first year of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Federal SMART Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is a federal grant program for students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, whose program of study is in Math, Science, Computer Science, Technology or Critical Languages, have a 3.0 GPA and are in their third or fourth year of a four year college degree program. In order to recieve SMART Grant funds, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 semester hours) each semester. To renew the SMART Grant for a second year, a student must remain eligible for a Pell Grant, remain in an approved program of study and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

LEAP Program
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program is a Federal/State grant program available to Georgia residents working on their first undergraduate degree program. Eligibility requirements are: demonstrate substantial need, be eligible to receive a Pell Grant, maintain satisfactory academic progress, be at least half-time student (6 semester hours), have not borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate limits for Federal student loan programs, no defaulted student loan or overpayment due on State or Federal financial aid, and not have received LEAP assistance for more than 8 semesters.