Grants are awards that are not repaid. Only undergraduates who have not previously received a bachelor's degree are eligible. Most grants are awarded to those who apply for financial aid by the priority application deadline and exhibit exceptional financial need.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated by the Department of Education based on the information listed on the FAFSA form, the number of credit hours per semester, and the cost of attendance. If a student is enrolled for less than 12 credit hours, the Pell award is calculated as follows:
| PELL GRANT AWARD CALCULATION | |
|---|---|
| SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS* | PELL AWARD CALCULATED |
| 12 or more hours | Pell semester award |
| 9 - 11 hours | 75% Pell semester award |
| 6 - 8 hours | 50% Pell semester award |
| 5 or less hours | 25% Pell semester award |
| *Students will need at least 15 credit hours per semester in order to graduate in 4 years | |
Federal Pell Grant funds are not available for certificate, special admit, transient, second degree,
non-degree, learning support, high school and graduate students. This grant is also limited to 12
fulltime semesters.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant is awarded based on the student's EFC number, which is determined upon completion of the FAFSA; the student's financial need; and the funds available. FSEOG funds are not available for certificate, special admit, transient, non-degree, learning support, or high school students. Students with the lowest EFC numbers receive priority.
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
This federal grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who agree to teach for four years
at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students
from low-income families and to meet other requirements. If the service obligation is not met,
the grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
The Alabama Student Assistance Program is a grant that is awarded to Alabama residents only based on financial need and availability of funds. The grants are awarded in varying amounts based on need.
The Alabama Student Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to residents of the State of Alabama who enroll into undergraduate programs at non-sectarian, secular education, non- profit, independent institutions. The amount of the grant varies depending on availability of funds. Students applying for the grant must meet certain residential criteria and must provide documentation with their application. Students that drop classes, may cause a forfeiture of all or part of the grant. Please see the application for specific details.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
Like other federal grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants provide money to college or
career school students to help pay their education expenses. However, Iraq and Afghanistan
Service Grants have special eligibility criteria.
You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if:
- You are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution; but
- Meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
- Your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11; and
- You were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.