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), and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting it to the federal processor. This form is available through your high school guidance counselor, through our office, and 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 and new transfer students and March 15 for returning 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 high financial need.

To be eligible for the ACG, you must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled full-time as a first (graduated high school after 1/1/06) or second year undergraduate (graduated high school after 1/1/05) with no previous college enrollment, also eligible for 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 obtained 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, enrolled full-time as a third and fourth year undergraduate, receiving a Federal Pell Grant, and enrolled in an eligible field of study 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.

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.