grants

Types of Undergraduate Financial Aid: Grants and Waivers

Grants and Waivers
Scholarships
Loans
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Financial Aid Services administers the grant and waiver programs outlined below. These programs are either federally funded, state funded, or university funded. When your financial aid application is complete, UMass Boston considers you for all programs administered by FAS. The type of grant offered to each student depends on eligibility, need, and available funds. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and deadlines; be sure to maximize your eligibility by following the proper guidelines. The grant and waiver programs listed below do not need to be repaid.

Other federal grant programs are administered by other departments on campus. Please contact your program of study to determine if there are grants or scholarships offered through that department for which you may have eligibility.

Grants

FEDERAL PELL GRANT: This is a grant from the Federal government and is available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for aid. The amount awarded is based on two criteria: the credits for which you are enrolled at the end of each semester's add/drop period, and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your Student Aid Report (SAR). You must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) credits or credit equivalencies to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. The maximum annual federal Pell Grant for 2008-2009 is $4731

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT (ACG): This is a grant from the Federal government and is available to Federal Pell Grant recipients pursuing their first undergraduate degree in their first and second year of study. In addition to being a Federal Pell Grant recipient, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

be a U.S. Citizen
be enrolled full time in a degree program
have completed a rigorous high school program of study, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education
have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to receive an award for the sophomore year of study
demonstrate financial need

If sufficient funds are not available for all eligible students in an award year, the U.S. Department of Education may reduce the annual award amounts. For more specific information on the rigorous high school programs of study, refer to federalstudentaid.ed.gov. The maximum annual federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is $750 for a year 1 student and $1300 for a year 2 student.

SMART (Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) GRANT: This is a grant from the Federal government and is available to Federal Pell Grant recipients pursuing their first undergraduate degree in their third and forth year of study in a degree program in one of the following academic fields:

computer science
critical foreign language
engineering
life science
mathematics
physical science
technology

In addition, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

be a U.S. Citizen
be enrolled full time in an eligible degree program
have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each term
demonstrate financial need

If sufficient funds are not available for all eligible students in an award year, the U.S. Department of Education may reduce the annual award amounts. For more specific information on eligible degree programs, refer to federalstudentaid.ed.gov. The maximum annual federal Science and Math Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is $4000 for year 3 and year 4 students.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPOTUNITY GRANT (Federal SEOG): This is a grant from the Federal government and is available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for aid, must have need, and must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) credits or credit equivalencies to be eligible for a FSEOG. Federal Pell Grant recipients are given priority for FSEOG awards. The maximum annual federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is $4000. Due to limited funding, the standard maximum annual award at UMass Boston varies between $400 and $2000.

TEACH GRANT PROGRAM: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants for graduate and undergraduate students to students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools that serve students from low-income families. Students may receive up to $16,000 for undergraduate study and up to $ 8,000 for graduate study. Part-time students are eligible for the grant, but it is proportionally reduced. The grant is also available for post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. To learn more about eligibility, click here.

MASSACHUSETTS STATE GRANT (Mass Grant): This is a grant from the State of Massachusetts and is available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Eligibility is determined by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA). You must complete your FAFSA by May 1, 2007 and have an eligible EFC, be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits or credit equivalencies) and be a resident of Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year (if you are dependent, your parent(s) must also reside in Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year). The Office of Student Financial Assistance also administers the Performance Bonus, Part Time Grant, and No Interest Loan Programs. To review your status and/or learn more about OSFA, visit their web site at www.osfa.mass.edu.

MASSACHUSETTS PART TIME GRANT (PTG): This is a grant from the State of Massachusetts and is available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. You must complete your FAFSA by May 1, 2007, have an eligible EFC and be enrolled for at least six (6) credits or credit equivalencies and meet the same eligibility requirements for the Mass State Grant.

STATE ACCESS GRANT (SAG): This is a grant from the State of Massachusetts and is available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for aid, have need, must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) credits or credit equivalencies each semester, and be a resident of Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year (if you are dependent, your parent(s) must also reside in Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year). SAG funds cannot be used for courses taken at another institution.

UMASS BOSTON FEE GRANT: This is a grant from the University and is available to undergraduate students. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for aid, have need, and must enroll for a minimum of three (3) credits or credit equivalencies each semester. This grant may not exceed the Education Operations Fee charged by the Bursar' Office.

Waivers

NEED BASED TUITION WAIVER (NBTW): This waiver is funded by the state and is similar to a grant, since repayment is not required. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for aid, have need, must be enrolled for a minimum of three (3) credits or credit equivalencies each semester, and be a resident of Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year (if you are dependent, your parent(s) must also reside in Massachusetts for one year prior to the start of the academic year). NBTW funds cannot be used for second degrees, Continuing Education charges, or courses taken at other institutions.

Note: If you are awarded a tuition waiver from more than one source, the University will determine which waiver will be processed. You cannot have more than one waiver credited to your account.