Federal Pell Grant


**Award Range:**  $329-$3,098/semester

Pell Grant is a federal program for undergraduate students who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree. The data provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) produces an EFC, or Expected Family Contribution, which is used in determining Pell Grant eligibility. 

Federal Pell Grant Eligibility is limited to 6 years at full-time enrollment. Once a student has reached the Lifetime Eligibility Used the student may qualify for other types of financial aid but will no longer be eligible for Pell Grant.

Federal Pell Grant is based on EFC, enrollment level, and the number of semesters attended. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school simultaneously (e.g. – award period or semester). Pell Grant is adjusted through the 9th calendar day of the term for 9 to 16-week classes. Once that date is reached, Pell will not change for courses dropped as long as the student started the course.  Pell will not be increased for courses added after the adjusted date. Students are paid upfront for courses that begin throughout the term. Pell awards are adjusted and money must be repaid if a student fails to attend a course that begins after the adjustment date.

**Actual Enrollment**

**Pell Eligibility**

12+ Credit Hours (full-time)

100% of Pell Award

9-11 Credit Hours (3/4 time)

75% of Pell Award

6-8 Credit Hours (1/2 time)

50% of Pell Award

Less than 6 Credit Hours

25% of Pell Award

 

Additional Policies regarding Federal Pell Grant:

  • A student must maintain enrollment and attendance during the semester in order to maintain eligibility for Federal Pell Grant funds. Dropping classes (or simply not attending class anymore) before the Financial Aid Census Date usually results in the student owing back the Pell Grant funds associated with that class.
  • If the FAFSA is received by Sandburg after the close of a semester and the student attended the current award year, retroactive reimbursement is calculated based on the number of credit hours successfully completed with an earned grade of “A, B, C, D, or P”. In addition, if the student is selected for verification, all required documents must be on file and the student must meet all other eligibility criteria to receive a retroactive award. The last possible day a valid FAFSA may be received for the year is the last day of the Spring/Summer term, or the last date of attendance for the award year, whichever is earlier.
  • The Department of Education has announced that students that are eligible for Pell Grant may be able to receive a third disbursement of Pell Grant. Carl Sandburg College will implement "Year-Round Pell Grant" beginning in the summer of 2018. The general rules are that students must be eligible for Pell Grant as determined by the Department of Education, and must be enrolled at least half‐time for the Summer semester. Half‐time enrollment is six credit hours for undergraduate students. Students enrolled in five or fewer credits for summer can receive Pell if they were part-time (less than 12 credits) for fall or spring terms.

 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

**Award Range:**  Maximum of $2000/semester

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as demonstrated by the lowest EFC. Priority consideration is given to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant. The grant provides up to a maximum of $4000 per year. Qualifying students apply for this need-based aid by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funding levels for this program are very limited. As a result, fewer than 10% of all Pell Grant eligible students will be awarded SEOG. Interested students should apply early to ensure maximum award consideration.  Students must enroll in at last six credit hours for summer to qualify for the FSEOG Grant. Summer FSEOG Awards are made in late spring or early summer. 

State of IL Monetary Award Program Grant (MAP) Est

State of IL MAP Grant is available for undergraduate students who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree. The data provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is shared with the state who calculates the student award. The amount of State of IL MAP Grant funding students are awarded is based on such factors as application date, enrollment level, and the number of semesters attended during the award year. Students may not receive the State of IL MAP Grant funds from more than one school simultaneously. State of IL MAP grant is available for Fall and Spring semesters only. State of IL MAP Grants will be applied to student accounts once payment is received by the State.

State of Illinois Monetary Award Grant Disclosures:

By applying for financial aid and agreeing to share that information with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) you have been considered for the State of Illinois (IL) Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant. All MAP-approved institutions are required by the State of Illinois to announce MAP Grant awards to students who are enrolled or intending to enroll at their institution. An award amount is included in your financial aid package if you have met the eligibility criteria.

The MAP Grant award amount is an estimate made by the financial aid office and is identified as a "State of IL MAP Grant (Est)". Please be aware that the number of available MAP Grants is limited by funding levels approved by the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor, and reductions to estimated or actual MAP Grants are possible.

There are also limitations to how long you can continue to receive a MAP Grant. Usage is tracked by the number of credit hours for which you've received MAP benefits and is referred to as MAP Paid Credit Hours (MPCHs). The maximum number of MPCHs that can be received is 135, which is equivalent to approximately four and a half years of full-time enrollment. For your reference, and to learn more about MPCH limitations, you may access a record of your MPCHs through the ISAC Student Portal at https://studentportal.isac.org/MPCH.

Students may find their number of MAP paid credit hours by calling 800.899.4722.  Community college students cannot be classified as a Junior or Senior. 

Students must be enrolled for at least 15 credits per semester to receive the full amount of the MAP Grant shown on the award letter. When enrolled in less than 15 credits the award is prorated as follows: Award ÷ 15 x credits enrolled. This award may only be applied to tuition and the registration fee.

Students are limited to 75 MAP Paid Credit Hours at the community college. The maximum number of MAP Paid Credit Hours that can be received is capped at 135.