Federal and State Grants

Grants are a type of financial aid that do not need to be repaid.


Federal Grant Programs

Federal Grants are provided to students by the Federal Government and do not need to be paid back. Students apply for these grants by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid. A Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on each student’s financial need. Pell grants are only awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned their first bachelor’s degree. The maximum Pell Grant award is annually established by the Federal Government.

Lifetime Limit of Eligibility

A student may receive a Pell grant for no more than six scheduled awards.

Survivors of Service Members

Students who have a Pell Grant eligible EFC will be treated as a student who has a zero EFC and will be awarded the maximum Federal Pell Grant Scheduled award based on the following criteria:

  • Parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001
  • Student was less than 24 years of age or enrolled in a postsecondary program at the time of the parent or guardian’s death

FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need, with priority given to Federal Pell grant recipients with the lowest expected family contribution (EFC). The annual award is up to $200 per semester, not to exceed $600 total. Awards are based on availability from an annual allocation and the UNH College of Professional Studies cannot guarantee every eligible student will receive an FSEOG award.

A student who is not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Additional Student Eligibility Requirements:

  • Parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 and;
  • Student was less than 24 years or age or enrolled in a postsecondary program at the time of the parent or guardian’s death. These students are identified through the Department of Defense match conducted through the FAFSA. 

State Grant Programs

State Grants are provided to students based on merit, need and even areas of study by their state of residence. For more information, students should contact their state’s postsecondary or higher education commissions directly.

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