What Is Federal SEOG? How Do These Grants Work?
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: August 27, 2021
If you’re a student looking to get financial aid for earning a degree in college or at a university, you may be wondering what kinds of scholarships and grants are available to you. In this article, we’ll be explaining the Federal SEOG: What is a Federal SEOG, who is eligible for the SEOG grant, how to apply, and more. The grant is pretty straightforward, and we hope that you gain all the information you need to apply in time and receive any necessary assistance in your education journey.
What Is Federal SEOG?
The Federal SEOG, or the FSEOG, stands for Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. It is a grant offered to low-income undergraduate students who need financial help paying for school. The grant is administered by the financial aid office of each college or university, if the school participates in the FSEOG program. This means that it is necessary to check that your school offers the grant before applying.
The FSEOG is a critical resource for making college accessible to students from varying socio-economic backgrounds. Grants such as the FSEOG can have a significant impact on the trajectory of a student’s life and career.
Linda Vasquez, a recipient of FSEOG, shares her experience on The Campaign for College Opportunity, saying, “The combination of federal and state grants allowed me to graduate from Cal State Fullerton with virtually no debt […] Because of a program like the FSEOG, I never worried about being able to afford a college textbook or pay the ridiculously high cost of a parking permit. […] the FSEOG played a role in shaping my future.”
Who Is Eligible For Federal SEOG?
As mentioned before, the FSEOG is offered to low-income undergraduate students who demonstrate a financial need for help. These students must be enrolled as an undergraduate student and maintain their enrollment in order to be eligible. They must also show that they have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
How Does It Work?
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education gives each participating school a certain amount of money in grants to help students with financial needs. Unlike other grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant, which is granted on a student-by-student basis, the FSEOG allots a certain amount to the school per year, and once the full amount has been granted to students, the school do not receive more money in grants until the next year. That’s why it’s very important that students meet the application deadlines, otherwise they risk missing out on necessary financial aid.
How Much Money Do They Grant?
Students who are eligible for the grant can receive anywhere between $100 to $4,000 a year. The amount per student depends on many factors, including individual financial need, how early application was completed, and how much money their school was allotted.
How To Maintain The Grant
The first step to obtaining the FSEOG is to find out whether your school offers the grant through the financial aid office. If your school does, in fact, offer the grant, the next important step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. This is used to determine your financial needs and whether you are eligible for the grant.
Since schools are allotted a certain amount of grant money, it is crucial that you fill out the application as early as possible. Application begins on October 1st of each year. It is also necessary to renew your application each year, even if you have already received a grant in the past.
How To Receive The Money?
If you are eligible to receive the FSEOG, the money may be sent to you in a number of ways depending on your college or university.
Some options for receiving your grant may include one of the following:
- Your school may credit your student account.
- Your school may give you the money directly.
- Or, in some situations, your school may use a combination of the above options.
Your grant will be given to you once per term, depending, of course, on your school’s term system (whether they use semester, trimester, or quarter scheduling). You can expect to receive your grant at least twice over the academic year if your school has a different kind of term schedule.
University of the People
At University of the People, we believe in accessible and affordable education for all qualifying students. That’s why we offer tuition-free degrees completely online, and help our students find additional scholarships when necessary. Our programs make it possible to earn a degree and start your career一no matter your socio-economic background or current salary.
Wrap Up
We hope that you’ve gone from wondering, “what is Federal SEOG,” to a solid understanding of the grant and its process. If you think that the Federal SEOG is a right fit for you, make sure to start applying as soon as applications open on October 1st. Your education is important, and making it as affordable as possible will set you up for success in both your studies and your future career.