federal supplemental education opportunity grant

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are need-based grants awarded through participating institutions to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The federal government allocates FSEOG funds to participating schools as a way of supplementing Federal Pell Grants for the neediest of students. Those schools will then award FSEOG funds to eligible students and priority goes to students who will receive Federal Pell Grants and have the most financial need. Like Federal Pell Grants, FSEOGs do not have to be repaid.

Difference Between the FSEOG and the Federal Pell Grant
The U.S. Department of Education guarantees that each participating school will receive enough money to pay the Federal Pell Grants of its eligible students. However, there is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive a FSEOG award. Each participating school receives a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education. Once the full amount of the school’s FSEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year.

Application Process
To apply for a Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (and all federal, state, and some institutional financial aid programs), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st of the year for which you are requesting aid. Because funding allocations are limited for the FSEOG, you should make every effort to submit the FAFSA by your school’s priority deadline.

Eligibility Requirements
You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. To qualify, you must:

• Be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. (see eligibility requirements for the Federal Pell Grant)
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security number.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be registered with the Selective Service if you are male aged 18-25.
• Be attending a participating postsecondary institution.
• Be pursuing your first undergraduate degree.
• Be making satisfactory academic progress in a degree-oriented program as defined by the school you are attending.

Amount Awarded
If eligible for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, you can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year. The amount of money you can receive will depend on:

• Your financial need
• When you apply for aid
• The amount of other aid you receive
• The availability of funds at your school

Payment Method
If you are eligible to receive a FSEOG, your school will credit your student account, pay you directly, or combine these methods. Your school will disburse FSEOG funds at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter) or at least twice per academic year.

Keep in mind that not all schools participate in the FSEOG program. To find out if your school offers this grant and to obtain more information, be sure to contact your school's financial aid office.