What are grants?

Grants are free money and help cover the cost of your education. Funding can come from the federal government, State of Missouri, or Southeast.

To be considered for the maximum amount of grants, including FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant), your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be processed prior to February 1 (to meet that deadline, submit by mid-January) each year. However, you may complete the FAFSA for Pell or TEACH grant consideration up to June 30 of the award year.

Federal Grants

The Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students, completing their first bachelor's degree. The amount you will receive depends on your:

  • Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA
  • Status as a full-time or part-time student
  • Plans to attend school for a full academic year, or less

Value
The amount awarded can change annually. For the 2023-2024 award year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024), Pell grants may be awarded for EFCs below 6,656. The maximum annual award is $7,395, for an EFC of zero and full-time enrollment.

Pell grants are paid based on enrollment at the time hours are "frozen" each semester. If a class(es) is added/dropped after this day, the grant amount will not change (increase or decrease), except in the case of an instructor initiated drop for non-attendance, or a complete withdrawal from all classes.

Complete withdrawals, at any time in the semester, may result in a student being responsible for the repayment of the full (or partial) Pell grant, based on Return to Title IV regulations.

Pell Grant eligible students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell award for each year. Learn more about Year-round Pell grants.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility

Students can receive the Pell grant for no more than 12 full-time semesters (roughly six years), or the equivalent, to total 600%. A full-time, annual award is equal to 100%. Additional examples are as follows:

  • A student attending 2 semesters (within an academic year), at full-time status and receiving their maximum annual award, would use 100% of their eligibility.
  • If a student attends only 9 credits (3/4 time) for each semester, the percentage used is 75%.
  • If the student attends only 6 credits (1/2 time) for each semester, the percentage used is 50%.

Lifetime usage can be reviewed through the National Student Loan Data System, by choosing "Financial Aid Review". Additionally, the percentage used can be viewed on the Student Aid Report (SAR), after completing a FAFSA.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students who have their FAFSA processed prior to February 1st (submit by mid-January), and meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate exceptionally high financial need, as determined by the FAFSA
  • Are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours
  • Are seeking their first bachelor's degree

Value

Currently, Southeast awards up to $1,000 per academic year.

Note: This program has limited funding. Once all funds are exhausted FSEOG may not be available, even if the above criteria are met.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant can be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students. Students must intend to teach full-time, in high need subject areas, for at least four years at schools that serve students from low-income families.

To be considered for this grant students must declare a TEACH Grant eligible major and meet one of the listed academic achievements. Additionally, undergraduates must be admitted in the Teacher Education Program within the College of Education before becoming eligible.

Value

The TEACH grant can be awarded for up to $4,000 per academic year, depending upon enrollment. While funding is considered a grant (free money), if students do not meet their post-graduation teaching commitment, this grant converts to an unsubsidized loan, and interest is applied retroactively.

TEACH Grant Application

State Grants for Missouri Residents

The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program (grant) is awarded to undergraduate students, completing their first bachelor's degree. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

  • FAFSA processed by the priority deadline, February 1st (submit by mid-January)
  • EFC of 12,000 or less (as determined by the FAFSA) and demonstrated financial need
  • Full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours/semester)
  • Maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Have completed less than 150 GPA hours

Value

Access Missouri funding is based on FAFSA information and annual funding from the Missouri Department of Education. Statutory minimum awards are $1,500 and maximum awards are $2,540. For 2021-2022, the current maximum Access Missouri is reduced to $2,000/year, due to state funding levels.

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a new financial aid program for adults who are entering college for the first time, or who have some college credit. The Fast Track grant can be used to pursue a certificate, degree, or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need for the state of Missouri. To be eligible, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

  • Missouri residents who are 25 years or older or have not been enrolled in any school within the last two years
  • Have not earned a bachelor's degree
  • Enroll at least half-time
  • Earning no more than $80,000 filing jointly, or no more than $40,000 per year as a single tax filer

More Information & Application

The Public Service Officer Survivor Grant is available to certain public employees and their families, if the employee is killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. This grant requires a separate application through the Missouri Department of Higher Education.

More Information & Application

The Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant is available annually to children and spouses of veterans whose deaths or injuries were: a result of combat action or were attributed to an illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or who became 80% disabled as a result of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action since September 11, 2001.

The total number of veterans that may receive a grant in any year is limited by statute to 25. The veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering the military service or at the time of death or injury. The Missouri Veteran’s Commission determines whether the veteran meets the program’s requirements.

More Information & Application

Phone
Location
Office
Academic Hall 019
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 3740
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Hours
/ Weekdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.