subject: An Overview Of Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant [print this page] A grant program exists for undergraduates who have exceptional financial needs, called The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). If you are a Pell Grant receiver and have a low enough family expected contribution (EFCs), you will be one of the first in line for consideration of a FSEOG. As with a Pell Grant, the FSEOG does not have to be paid back.
How Much Money - These undergraduates can receive from $100 to $4,000 a year, depending on their financial needs, the time of year they apply, and the amount of money left for funding at the school where the application is submitted. It also depends on the campus financial office policies.
Campus-Based Aid - Along with the FSEOG, there are a couple of other grants that are called campus-based programs due to their being administered directly by the financial aid office at that participating school. You must check with the school to see what grants they offer, and determine if there is a chance of applying for assistance.
There is only so much money distributed each year for these grants, and if you are not one of the first to apply, it can mean you will get much less money, or possibly not any money at all. Once the money is gone for any fiscal year, you will have to wait until the next year to re-apply. This could seriously effect your plans for graduation and getting a job.
Preparing For Your Education - Having a college education can provide you with things you would never have if you never further your education. Better positions of importance, higher pay, career choices, all can offer you the things in life you enjoy. Staying employed is better and with college courses that cover several fields of interest you will not be unemployed for very long.
Choosing A School - You have finished all the tests and ready to choose the school that best fits your future plans. Start first by assessing yourself to determine what your interests and goals are, and then study the schools you are considering. You need to know the graduation rate, and find out about the job placement of previous graduates.
Whether you are planning on going to a 2 year, 4 year, vocational, or a private career school, you will need to make sure they participate in the Title IV programs which provide Federal Student Aid. You should take a tour of the campus before making a final decision. If you are going to reside on campus, check out the dorms so you can plan what to take with you.
Applying For Financial Aid - Filling out an application is the only way to find out if you qualify. It is possible that you will be required to produce some documentation, such as any pay checks, or bank statements, and perhaps some other items, so get all of your financial records in order and ready to produce. Find out from the campus office what is required and be sure to be one of the first to apply.
