Types of Aid
Grants
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers a variety of federal grants to students attending four-year colleges or universities, community colleges, and career schools.
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible students.
Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Award amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2025–26 award year (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026).
The amount you get, though, will depend on
- your Student Aid Index (based on your FAFSA form),
- the cost of attendance (determined by your school for your specific program),
- your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
- your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. You can receive an award of up to $4,000 a year, depending on your financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and the availability of funds at your school. Due to limited funds, grants at UMMC usually do not exceed $800 per year.
You must maintain enrollment as an undergraduate student and must not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree. Your eligibility for federal student aid, including the FSEOG, is determined by completing the FAFSA form on an annual basis. Your institution will award the FSEOG each year based on that eligibility and other factors at the college.