Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, also known as FSEOG, is a grant offered to students based on need. With this student grant, low-income students, who may not other wise have the opportunity, are provided with access to colleges, universities, and other secondary education institutions.

As the name suggests, the FSEOG is a supplemental grant generally given to supplement the Pell Grant, as only Pell Grant recipients are eligible to receive the awards. There are some exceptions to that rule, though most low-income students receive the Pell Grant in addition to other federal grants like the FSEOG or the SMART Grant. Any student who is accepted or enrolled for one of the colleges offering the FSEOG and shows that the family contribution will be at its lowest will be eligible to receive the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

How is Eligibility for the FSEOG Determined?

There are several factors taken into consideration when determine eligibility for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. One such consideration is known as the expected family contribution. As with any grant, special consideration may be given for certain circumstances. Some circumstances that might help a student obtain federal grants like the FSEOG include students on their own with children, those on their own without children, and those who are dependants of their parents.

The expected family contribution is figured with a specific formula formulated by the Department of Education in the United States. This information is generally provided when filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Things taken into consideration include:

An independent student's assets and income
The assets and income of the parents of a dependent student
Household size of the family
Number of family members, which does not include parents

What awards are offered with the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant?

Typically, during any school year recipients can receive anywhere from $100 to $4,000 each year. The exact amount will depend on the funding level of the school, the student's level of need, and when the application for the grant is submitted.

It is important to remember that a number of students need grants eachyear, based on extensive financial need. The amount you are awarded will be determine by your own personal need, as well as the need of others that have applied. This is due to the fact that only a certain amount is available per academic year for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

Other Eligibility Requirements

Other requirements when determining eligibility is that a student is to be currently enrolled or accepted to an eligible, accredited college or institution. Furthermore, the study program must be eligible as well. Each student must not have received a degree in any area of study prior to applying and the student, as well as his or her family must demonstrate exceptional need financially.

To better understand your own eligibility, you should contact the educational institution of your choice and ask about their programs, as well as fill out the FAFSA.