Financial Aid Options — Grants

Federal Pell Grant
This is a federal grant for students, and, unlike loans, you are not required to repay a grant. You should apply for this grant annually by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This grant is available year round, but students should plan on the application process taking two to three months to complete. Applying online, applying with accurate information, and being aware of the requirements of your school can save you a lot of time.

New Financial Aid Funding Available: ACG and SMART Grants
Two new grant programs are available to encourage math and science education and increase academic rigor at the high school level. The new programs, named Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants, were established as part of a growing national consensus relating to the need for high school reform and the need to refocus on math and science education. The new grant programs make $790 million available in the 2006-07 academic year and $4.5 billion over five years to provide aid to low-income college students who meet general Pell Grant program guidelines and specified academic requirements. Visit the U.S. Department of Education for more information.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This is a campus-based grant. This means the grant is jointly funded by the federal government and the school and/or state. Individual campuses decide how to allocate these grants to students within the bounds of broad federal guidelines. Because funds are limited, the earliest applicants have the best chance to receive these funds. All applicants must complete the FAFSA. Not all Utah schools offer SEOG grants.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
This is also a campus-based grant. Your campus, with funds from the State of Utah, matches federal funds and allocates these grants to students that meet federally defined guidelines. The maximum award is $2,500. For eligibility requirements and application materials, please contact your school's financial aid office. Again, funds are limited, so apply early. All applicants must complete the FAFSA. Not all Utah schools offer LEAP grants.

Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education (UCOPE) Grant
UCOPE grants are funded by the State of Utah for Utah residents attending schools in Utah. Like the other grants listed on this page, the funds are limited so apply early. All applicants must complete the FAFSA. Not all Utah schools offer UCOPE grants.