The federal government and state governments offer grants to eligible individuals to help pay for college education. Grants are financial assistance that is not paid back. Governmental grants for education are need-based. Individuals seeking financial assistance must apply for grants via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The amount of grants awarded depends on an individual’s need and the expected contribution amount individuals can make toward their education.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is considered the foundation of aid that is received before other federal and non-federal sources. Undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree are eligible to receive Pell Grants. In some cases, students who hold bachelor’s degrees but are seeking teacher certification are also eligible. The Pell Grant maximum award amount is $5,550 for the 2011-2012 award year. Pell Grants are given to students who meet income eligibility requirements. A Pell Grant is given a maximum of twice during the school year — fall and spring semesters. If eligible, Pell Grant funds are paid directly to a student’s school and are used for tuition and tuition-related expenses.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for students with the greatest needs. The FSEOG, unlike a loan, is not paid back. The FSEOG is available only for students eligible for the Pell Grant. The awards amounts for the FSEOG vary from $100 to $4,000 a year. Award amounts depend on a student’s need, costs of tuition and a school’s financial aid policies.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

Made available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year, the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is available for students who graduated after Jan. 1, 2006. The award for the ACG is $700 for first-year students and $1,300 for second-year students. The ACG is available to Pell Grant recipients. For eligibility, students must enroll at least half-time in a degree program. The ACG is available only to first- and second-year students. Students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to continue to receive funds.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH)

Grant Program The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant is available to students who intend to teach in a private or public elementary or secondary school that caters to low-income individuals. TEACH offers eligible students awards up to $4,000 a year. Recipients of TEACH grants must agree to teach at a school servicing low-income families. Recipients who fail to honor the agreements will have the grant funds they received transferred to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and have to pay the loan to the Department of Education.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART)

Grant The National Smart Grant is available to undergraduate students in their third and fourth year of studies. The grant is also available to fifth-year students participating in a five-year degree program. The Smart Grant provides up to $4,000 a year for students who qualify. The National Smart Grant is available only to Pell Grant recipients who are pursuing degrees in physical, life or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or a crucial foreign language or a non-major single liberal arts programs. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is available to students whose parents or guardians died in service in Iraq or Afghanistan as military personnel after Sept. 11, 2001. Eligible students are under the age 24 or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s death.