Issue #3 Spring 2009
What's New in Federal Financial Aid?
Marcy Skinner, Financial Aid

Teach “Grant” Program: New for 2008-2009
A new federal “grant” comes with heavy strings attached, but may be useful for certain students in some narrow circumstances. 

The TEACH "Grant" program provides up to $4,000 per year in grant aid to undergraduate and graduate students and students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher credential program, or current or prospective teachers. Eligible undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students may not receive more than $16,000, and graduate students may receive no more than $8,000 in total TEACH "Grants."

In exchange for TEACH "Grant" aid, students must agree to serve as a full-time teacher at specified schools and teach in a specified field for four academic years within eight years after completing the college course. TEACH "Grant" recipients who do not fulfill their teaching obligations must repay the "grant" as if it was an unsubsidized Direct Loan

Interested students may contact Terri Gass in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at 797-1443 or may read more about this grant at: www.usu.edu/finaid. 

Ongoing Programs:  Pell grants, supplemental grants, subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans, Perkins loan, and the federal Work-Study program.

All federal financial aid recipients must file their annual online FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to qualify for federal financial aid.

In addition, two new grants came on the scene in 2006-2007: the AC grant and the SMART grant.

Academic Competiveness (AC) Grant

  • Freshmen and sophomores may qualify for up to $750 as freshmen and $1,300 as sophomores.
  • Freshmen must complete a rigorous high school program.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be attained at the end of the student’s last freshman semester.
  • Students must be citizens or eligible noncitizens.
  • Demonstration of financial need is required.

Application may be downloaded from our website at: www.usu.edu/finaid.
            
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant

  • Juniors and seniors may qualify for this additional grant by pursuing specific majors in the math and science fields.
  • Juniors may be awarded up to $4,000, and seniors may receive up to $4,000.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.
  • Students must be citizens or eligible noncitizens.
  • Demonstration of financial need is required.

This grant does not require an additional application other than the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Our system will find and award eligible students.

If your student is experiencing financial difficulties, please refer them to our office for additional help.  Our counselors can meet with students on a one-to-one basis and may be able to provide just the financial help they need to continue their education.  The Financial Aid Office is located in the Taggart Student Center, Room 106, and may be contacted at 435-797-0318.

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