Grants

Types of Grants
Federal and state grants are available to assist eligible students pay educational expenses.  The requirements are:  the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Demonstrate financial need per the FAFSA methodology.  High school diploma or GED.  Undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible program of study for at least half-time for most grants.  Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).  Selective Service Registration or male applicants.  Not in default or an overpayment of federal loans or grants.  U.S. citizen or “eligible non-citizen”.   The programs described below with specific guidelines are processed annually based on availability of funds. 

Federal Grants
                                                                       
Pell Grant
Awards are based on Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and the federal Pell Schedule.  Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students.  Enrollment of at least three to five (3 to 5) credit hours may qualify based on the EFC.   The amount of other financial assistance the student may qualify for does not affect the amount of the Pell Grant award. 

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Need based, awarded to students with exceptional financial need based on EFC.  The SFS determines the amount the student is awarded based on federal guidelines.  Funds are allocated annually and are limited.

Academic Competiveness Grant (ACG)
Awarded to Pell Grant eligible students.   Recommended/Advanced High School Graduate with financial need.
Must complete each semester with a 3.0 GPA.                             

State Grants (Texas Residency Required for all programs listed below)

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Financial need required and awards based on availability of funds.

Towards Excellence, Access and Success (TEXAS) Grant
Be a graduate of a public or accredited private high school in Texas no earlier than 2000-01 school year with an Advanced high school curriculum defined by the Texas Education Agency (Recommended or Distinguished).   Enrolled at least 12 credit hours in an undergraduate program of study.  Enroll and receive an initial award as an entering undergraduate student within 16 months of high school graduation.  Have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving a controlled substance.

Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
Completed a Regular/Minimum high school program.  EFC must be 2000  or below.  Have not earned an Associate’s or Baccalaureate degree.  Enroll at least half time in the first 30 hours of credit at a public two-year institution of higher education.  Copy of GED or High School transcript is required. 

SLEAP/LEAP
Enrolled at least half-time.  Awarded to students who have little or no Pell Grant eligibility and availability of funds.  See SFS for application process. 

Educational Aide Exemption
The FAFSA is required.  Must be employed with a school district for at least one year within the past five years as an educational aide.  Must be enrolled in courses leading to a Teacher’s Certification and academic requirements.   The application is obtained by the student from their school district’s office.  The PAC SFS office will not accept applications if the student is not enrolled or if the current year FAFSA is not on file. 

Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program
Graduated from a Texas public high school (9 – 12) in no more than 36 continuous months.  High school counselor must submit certification to the Texas Higher Educational Coordinating Board (THECB).  THECB will send an approval letter to the student and the college.  Student must contact the PAC-SFS to process award.