Grants

• Federal PELL Grant
• Texas Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)
• LEAPP Grants
• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)

Grants are awarded based on financial need determined by the results of the FAFSA form. Grants are gift funds that do not require repayment. A student's financial aid award will include grant funds whenever guidelines and funding levels permit. Funding is limited in some programs so students must apply early to receive most federal and state grants funds. Priority for grants is given to students that meet the May 1st priority deadline.

Grant funds are initially awarded based on full-time status during the fall and spring semesters. If a student enrollment changes to three-quarter time and half time status, grant funds may be reduced. Graduate students are not eligible for federal grants but may be eligible for state grants if they demonstrate need and meet specific requirements.

Federal PELL Grant

PELL grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. Eligibility for the PELL grant is determined by the Department of Education based on results of the FAFSA form. Students do not have to be registered full-time to receive the PELL grant. The amount of PELL grant will be determined by the maximum set by the Department of Education, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC Number) and your enrollment status.

Federal Pell Grant awards may vary from year to year depending on program funding. During the 2008-2009 award year, the maximum is $4,731 per award year (fall/spring semesters) based on full-time enrollment. During the 1009-1010 award year, the maximum is $5350 per award year (fall/spring semesters) based on a full-time enrollment. Once the students accept the award, the student's account will be credited.

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TEXAS Grant

The purpose of the TEXAS Grant program is to provide a grant of money to enable well-prepared eligible students to attend public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education in Texas. The priority in making awards is to provide continued funding to recipients already enrolled in the program who are in college and making progress towards their degrees.

Due to limited funding within this program, many new students who meet the eligibility requirements will not be able to receive awards in 2009-2010.

Students may be eligible to receive this grant by either completing the recommended or higher curriculum in high school after the Fall of 1998 or receiving their first associate’s degree on or after the May 2001. Eligible students must also demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least ¾ time to qualify for this grant.

Once students receive this grant, they must maintain academic standards to continue in the program for the following year. At the end of the first year, a student entering the program must be meeting the school's Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. For the second and subsequent years, students must comply with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board standards, where they must maintain a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 and complete 75% of their coursework for that academic year and if awarded on or after September 1, 2005 must complete at least 24 semester credit hours.

See TEXAS Grant Website for additional information.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is an institutional grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It is awarded to students with the lowest EFC and students with the Federal Pell Grant eligibility. An FSEOG does not have to be repaid.

A student may receive between $100 and $1,000 of the FSEOG at UT - Pan American a year depending when the student applied for financial aid. Unlike the Pell Grant, there is no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive an FSEOG; awards are based on the availability of funds.
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Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)

The Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG) is an institutional grant for undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. A TPEG does not have to be repaid.

A student can receive between $100 and $1,000 of a TPEG at UT - Pan American a year depending when the student applied for aid. Unlike the Federal Pell Grant, there is no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive a TPEG; awards are based on the availability of funds.

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LEAPP Grants

A Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAPP) is a grant for undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. It does not have to be repaid and a student may receive between $100 and $800 a year depending when the student applied for aid and the student's level of need. Unlike the Federal Pell Grant, there is no guarantee every eligible student will be able to receive a LEAPP; awards are based on the availability of funds.

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Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The U.S. Department of Education established a need-based grant program for undergraduate students who successfully complete a rigorous high school program as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. To qualify for an ACG students must be:

• Eligible for Federal Pell Grants
• US Citizens
• Full-time students
• Enrolled in a Degree Program

Students eligible for the ACG grant will receive the award for their first and second academic year of their program of study. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as of the end of their first academic year.

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National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)

The U.S. Department of Education established a need-based grant program for undergraduate students who are pursuing a major in mathematics, science (including physical, life and computer sciences), technology, engineering, or a foreign language determined critical to national security. To qualify for SMART Grant, students must be:

• Eligible for Federal Pell Grants
• US Citizens
• Full-time students
• Enrolled in at least one class that meets the specific requirements of the eligible major

Students eligible for the SMART grant will receive the award for their third and fourth academic year of their program of study. Students must also maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale every semester in coursework required for the major.

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