National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant

Much like the Academic Competitiveness Grant,  the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant also referred to as the SMART Grant, is a grant available to those looking to add to their Pell Grant funds in order to finance their college education with money that does not have to be repaid. 

The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant, also based on financial need, is automatically applied for when the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is filled out by the student and their family. This college grant is only available to students currently studying or going into year three and four in an undergraduate college.

Furthermore, the grant is available only to those students who choose majors in any of the following fields:

• Critical Foreign Language (Where national security is of particular interest)
• Engineering
• Technology
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Life Science
• Physical Science

If you are a student entering year three or four in your college studies and majoring in one of the above areas, then a National SMART Grant (National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant) may be available to you.

How much is Available with the SMART Grant?

Currently, an award of a maximum of $4,000 is available to qualifying students. However, it is important to understand that this grant is used in combination with the Pell Grant and that the total award of both the National SMART Grant and the Pell Grant cannot be more than the total cost of tuition.

 It is also important to understand that not every person, even if they are otherwise eligible, will receive the full amount allowed by the SMART grant. The grant is designed to offer only so much money per year to eligible students. However, if too many apply during a specific year, the amount awarded will depend on the total amount of funds and on the number that have applied and deemed eligible.

Eligibility Criteria for the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant

 Of course, as with all Federal grants, there are certain requirements that must be met to determine eligibility. The following are some of the conditions that must be met.

 The student must be a United States citizen

1. The student must be eligible and approved for the Pell Grant
2. The student must be attending college full-time
3. The student must be enrolled in an accredited four year college
4. The student must be majoring in one of the following study choices:
   • Critical Foreign Language
   • Engineering
   • Technology
   • Mathematics
   • Computer, Life, or Physical Science
5. The student must have achieved at least a GPA of 3.0, on a scale of 4.0 in order to be eligible.

Those meeting the above requirements may be eligible to receive the National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant. The best way to know for sure is to obtain, fill out, and submit the FAFSA, which determines financial eligibility and need for the student.