GRANTS

The following grants are awarded on the basis of financial need to undergraduates who have not yet received a four-year degree:

Federal Pell Grant

This grant program is based on financial need as determined by completion of a FAFSA each year and the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled on the last day of the add/drop period.  Any enrollment changes must be reported to the Financial Aid Office.  The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2006-2007 year is $4,050.  Pell Grants are only available to undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.  You must also comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a grant awarded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.  The award amount is approximately 70% of tuition and designated fees for eligible WV residents.  The award can vary, depending on your degree objective.  This grant is available only to full time undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.  It can only be renewed for 7 terms.  You must complete a FAFSA each year by March 1.  High school seniors must also complete the WV Common Application at www.wvapply.org before March 1.  Students who have previously received the grant must complete 24 credit hours between the fall and spring terms and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0.  Students must also comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

WV Higher Education Assistance for Part Time Students (HEAPS) Grant

The West Virginia HEAPS Grant is a grant awarded Fairmont State based on funding provided by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.  The award amount varies and funding is limited.  This grant is available only to part time students:  enrolled in at least 6 credit hours, but not more than 11.  To be eligible, you must have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.  It can only be received for 8 terms.  You must complete a FAFSA each year and have a financial need.  Students must also comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

This grant program is based on financial need as determined by completion of a FAFSA each year.  SEOG is awarded primarily to students with exceptionally high financial need.  Priority is given to Pell Grant eligible students and is available only to undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.  Awards vary as funds are limited.  You must also comply with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) (Freshmen and Sophomores)

This grant program is for first and second year college students who graduated from hjigh school after January 2005 or 2006.

First-year students must:

* be U.S. citizens

* be Pell Grant eligible

* be enrolled full-time (12 credits)

* be enrolled in a degree-granting program

* have completed a "rigorous secondary school program," as defined by the Secretary of Education after January 1, 2006.

* must not have been previously enrolled in college

The award for first year students is $750.

Second-year students must:

* be a U.S. citizen

* must be Pell Grant eligible

* be a full-time student (12 or more credits)

* have earned at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA the freshman year

* have completed a rigorous high school curriculum

The award for second year students is $1,300.

The National Science and Mathematics to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant (Juniors and Seniors)

Third and fourth year college students who choose to study physical, life, or computer sciences; math; technology; engineering or a foreign language that is considered critical to national security may be eligible for thios award.

Juniors and Seniors must

*  be U.S. citizens

*  be Pell Grant eligible

* be enrolled full-time

* have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for classes for that major

* be enrolled in an approved plan of study as defined by the U.S. Department of Education

The total award is $4,000.