Understanding the FSEOG Grant Program

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), like many other federal funded grants, is designed to cut off tuition and other school related expenses for students who are in need of financial help. To qualify for the FSEOG program, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application form. This is to determine the Expected Family Contribution, which is measured with the following factors: the family’s size, family’s income level and net assets.

The program grants the money to students who have the lowest EFC. Eligible students (with significant financial need) can use the grant money to nearly 4,000 colleges and universities.

The amount of FSEOG grants that are being awarded to eligible students are actually influenced by the educational institutions involved in this particular program. The money is granted to students who are either currently enrolled or are approved for enrollment in their preferred educational institution. Likewise, it is essential to know that awardees of the Federal Pell Grant are being prioritized for the FSEOG program.

Applicants must realize that there are other hundreds of thousands wishful applicants who long to enjoy free education sponsored by the federal government. In this manner, the processing of application forms may take time. Therefore, a student whose school is a participant of the FSEOG program must take an active part in applying for the grant at the earliest possible time. It could also be that the grant money could be gone even before the process is complete.

In essence, the Federal government distributes the money to all participating institutions whereby bestowing schools the right to decide whom, when, and how much money is given to successful applicants. As such, students must not delay their application in order to have a high chance of receiving grants to shoulder school expenses.

The FSEOG can pay up to $4,000 for a given school year; however, students may also receive funding in the amount of $100 or higher. If you are eligible for funds the school may decide how much awards is given to you, depending on the basis of your “significant” financial need.
Students looking for free financial assistance and who are qualified for the Pell Grant can already apply for the FSEOG program as soon as their enrollment application is approved by the participating school.

First and foremost, you should contact your school’s financial aid office to determine what and how the application process is. You must be aggressive in taking advantage of the opportunity for free education. As with any other federal grants, you cannot benefit from scholarships and school grants without a little work on your part.