Grants
Federal Pell Grant:
Pell Grants are awarded only to students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional
degree.
(A professional degree would include a degree in a field such as pharmacy or dentistry.)
To determine if you are eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses
a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information you report
when you apply. The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number.
Your Student Aid Report contains this number and will advise if you are eligible.
How much you receive will depend not only on your EFC but on your cost of attendance,
whether you are a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for
a full academic year or less. The Pell Grant can be credited to your school account,
paid directly to you, or a combination thereof. This type of Federal Aid does not
have to be repaid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
FSEOG is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need--that is, students with the lowest EFC.
HOPE Grant:
Available to Georgia residents and eligible military personnel enrolled in qualifying certificate programs. Students are required to have a 2.0 or higher GPA at certain HOPE Grant Paid-Hour checkpoints.
The HOPE Grant is based upon a per hour rate not to exceed the standard tuition rate or the student's tuition charged. The HOPE Grant is reduced by other assistance applied solely to the student's tuition.
Students seeking the HOPE Grant should complete either a GSFAPP or a FAFSA.
TEACH Grant:
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 (less the designated sequester amount) per year to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in eligible CSU programs of study who intend to teach in an approved public or private school serving low-income students. TEACH Grant awards are prorated if attending less than full-time. Students must agree to serve four academic years as a full-time teacher in a high-need field at an eligible school.
To qualify for a TEACH Grant, students must be enrolled in a program of study that is considered to be a national or state high need field. Students are required to meet and maintain a 3.25 GPA or score above the 75th percentile on a national college admissions test. The GPA requirements does not apply to graduate students who are current teachers or retirees. Failure to complete the service obligation will result in the TEACH Grant funds converting to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan with interest charged from the date the grant was disbursed.
TEACH Grant Requirements and National High Need Fields
To begin the TEACH Grant application process:
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and submit any requested documents for verification.
- Complete the "TEACH Grant initial and subsequent counseling" available online at https://studentaid.gov/. You will not be able to complete the Agreement to Serve until you have been awarded TEACH Grant.
- If you scored above the 75th percentile on a national college admissions test, provide a copy of the admissions test results to the TEACH Grant Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office.
- If you do not meet the 3.25 GPA requirement and are a current teacher, you must provide a letter from your school's principal indicating you are employed as a teacher.
Once these steps are completed, the Financial Aid Office will review the student's eligibility and advise of any additional actions needed.
