Grants
Federal Pell Grant
Students apply for a Federal Pell Grant by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal Application. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is determined by a need analysis formula prescribed by Congress. Application of the formula to family income and asset data produces an expected family contribution (EFC). For the 2023-2024 academic year, you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant if you: are an undergraduate, have not received a baccalaureate degree, have an EFC of $6,656 or less, have not received a Federal Pell grant for more than the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters and meet the general eligibility criteria.
The maximum Federal Pell Grant for full-time attendance is $7,395 per academic year, contingent upon congressional appropriation. Your enrollment status for the purpose of the Pell grant is determined based on your Pell Recalculation Date. The data from your Renewal Application or FAFSA must show that you are eligible to receive a Pell grant and must be received by the OSFA before the last day of enrollment for each semester or within 60 days after the end of the semester if you were selected for verification. Pell grants paid after the semester is over will be based on the number of hours completed.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Undergraduate students who apply for financial aid will be considered for an SEOG if they qualify on a need basis, are enrolled at least half-time, are eligible for a Federal Pell grant and have applied for financial aid by CMU’s priority deadline date. Due to limited funds, we can only offer SEOG to a small portion of all eligible students.
Central Michigan University grant
Available to undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. CMU selects recipients on an annual evaluation of financial need based on FAFSA application data and receipt date. Funds are limited.
If you receive a CMU grant, file your FAFSA on time, have financial need as determined on the FAFSA, and meet grade-level progression each year, the grant funds may be renewed for a maximum of three additional consecutive years.
Award amount may be reduced or canceled if the student receives other institutional funds such as CMU merit-based scholarships (Centralis, Leader Advancement, Multicultural Award, Maroon and Gold awards, Academic Prestige, Excellence or Success), departmental scholarships, employee tuition waiver, and the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver.
Students will be awarded based on anticipated enrollment of 15 credits in the fall semester and 15 credits in the spring semester. Once actual enrollment is confirmed, CMU grant amount may change based on actual enrollment.
Bureau of Indian Affairs grant
Grants are available from certain tribes to assist students with their educational expenses at postsecondary institutions. Grants are need-based, and the tribe determines award amounts. Students must complete a FAFSA and a tribal application.
TEACH grant
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH).