What grants are available through financial aid and how do I apply?

You may apply for the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant, and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting it to the federal processor. This form is available online. Be sure to list Miami University as a recipient in the school section (our federal school code is 003077). Miami's priority deadlines for filing the FAFSA, to be considered for all need-based aid, are February 15 for first-year students and March 15 for returning students and new transfer students.

Eligibility for a Pell Grant is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as computed by the federal processor. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant and you filed your FAFSA by the appropriate priority deadline, you may be considered for Federal SEOG. SEOG funds are awarded to Pell-eligible students with the lowest EFC.

To be eligible for the ACG, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, enrolled at least half time or above (grant is prorated accordingly) as a first and second year undergraduate ('years' are based on grade level), receiving a Federal Pell Grant, and successfully completed a rigorous high school program as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the U. S. Secretary of Education. Second year students must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 during their first academic year.

To be eligible for the SMART Grant, you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, enrolled at least half time or above (grant is prorated accordingly) as a third and fourth year undergraduate ('years' are based on grade level), receiving a Federal Pell Grant, and enrolled in an eligible field of study majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering, or in a foreign language determined critical to national security as determined by the U. S. Secretary of Education. You must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and taken at least one class in their major each semester.

You may also be eligible for state grants via the FAFSA. The federal processor will automatically send your information to your state grant agency. Some states may require additional forms.

For additional informaiton, see Grants.