Federal and State Grants

Financing a college education is an important investment that requires many resources. The Financial Aid office offers assistance to students by outlining various financial resources available and guiding students through the application process. Office staff is available throughout the year to assist students with their needs.

Financial Aid consists of:

• Scholarships based on merit (academic, talent, special skill).
• Grants based on need, as determined by a student's aid application.
• Employment that allows students to work and earn money to help pay for school.
• Loan money that is often repaid after school at a low interest rate.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
Awarded to full-time undergraduates in their first or second year of study, who are US citizens and eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, and who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and The State Indian Grant Program
Provides state and federal grant funds for American Indians. Application must be made through the BIA office. State Indian Grant Funds are available to Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American. Awards are based on financial need and eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters.

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR provides state grant funds for undergraduate students who have financial need and have some type of physical, psychological or emotional disadvantage that impedes the student from obtaining a degree. The student must contact the local DVR office to apply. The student is then assigned a DVR counselor and must maintain close contact with the counselor throughout the student’s academic career.

Federal Pell Grant
A federal Pell Grant does not get repaid. This grant is awarded only to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a Bachelor’s degree. Students do not need to be full-time to qualify; less than half-time students can qualify. Students must complete a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a Pell Grant and must reapply each academic year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Awarded to students who show exceptional financial need, with priority given to Pell Grant recipients who have not yet completed a Bachelor’s or first degree. Funds for this program are allocated to the college on a limited basis. Students should apply early for consideration.

Military Programs
The U.S. Armed Forces and Veterans Administration offer financial aid opportunities through grants and loans. For more information, contact a local recruiting office, the Wisconsin National Guard, or Department of Veterans Affairs. Information is also available at www.gibill.va.gov.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant)
Available during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life or computer sciences, mathematics, technology or engineering or a foreign language determined critical to national security.

Wisconsin Tuition Grant (WTG)
Grant assistance for eligible Wisconsin resident undergraduates based on enrollment status and financial need. Award amounts vary annually and eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. Apply early for consideration.

Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP)
A State of Wisconsin grant for low-income students and/or students who traditionally might not attend college. Students must be freshmen to receive the grant initially and must be enrolled consecutive terms and continue to show financial need for renewal consideration. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters.

Wisconsin Minority Student Grant
A State of Wisconsin grant for African American, American Indian, Latino/Latina, or Southeast Asian from Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam admitted to the U.S. after December 31, 1975 who are sophomores, juniors and seniors and who demonstrate financial need. Edgewood receives an allocation annually from the Higher Education Aids Board. Funds are limited each academic year and eligibility cannot exceed eight semesters.

Wisconsin Hearing & Visually Handicapped Student Grant Program
Provides funding for undergraduate Wisconsin residents who show financial need and have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters.