Grants

-Back to Table of Contents-     

GRANTS AND NEED-BASED AWARDS (GIFT-AID)

Grants are typically awarded based on demonstrated financial need.  Amounts may vary each year depending upon the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS/PROFILE® applications.  Both applications, (FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE®) must be filed each academic year. Applications are typically available in October for the academic year beginning the following August.

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

• Awards: Vary in amount up to a maximum of $6,345 in 2020-2021 academic year.
• Funding Source: Federal government.
• Eligibility: Determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on analysis of a student’s completed FAFSA; given only to the neediest students.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (SEOG)

• Awards: Up to $4,000; vary in number depending on allocation to SMU. Funds are very limited.
• Funding Source: Federal government.
• Eligibility: Priority given to Pell Grant recipients; awarded as part of aid “package” to those who meet federal and SMU criteria.

TEXAS TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT (TEG)

• Awards: An award amount may vary depending on allocation to SMU and date of application. Standard amount is $3,420.  Students who meet the state guidelines for exceptional financial need may receive up to maximum of $5,130 if funds are available.  
• Funding Source: State of Texas.
• Eligibility: Must demonstrate financial need and meet the Texas State Residency requirements as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.  Must maintain an enrollment status of three-quarter time.  Awards are based on the availability of funds as determined by the Coordinating Board.
• Renewal Requirements: Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by SMU, must successfully complete a minimum of 24 per academic year, must successfully complete at least 75 percent of hours attempted, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.500 or higher.

SMU OPPORTUNITY AWARD

• Awards: Vary annually based on a family’s finances as demonstrated by the CSS/PROFILE®.
• Funding Source: SMU.
• Eligibility: Awarded on the basis of financial need demonstrated by the CSS/PROFILE® as part of an aid “package” after self-help and other gift aid are determined.

-Back to Table of Contents-