What is Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)? Eligibility, Application Process, and Benefits

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal aid program designed to assist undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. It is a form of gift aid, meaning it does not require repayment, provided that the recipient maintains eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the FSEOG, students must meet all of the following:

• Pell Grant Eligibility: The student must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant. It is a primary eligibility factor for receiving an FSEOG.
• Financial Need: Students must have a negative or zero SAI, representing significant financial need.
• Eligibility Status: Scholarship recipients must be enrolled at least half-time (usually described as 6 credit hours for undergraduates). Scholarship applicants enrolled less than half-time will lose their eligibility if adjusted Cost of Attendance calculations result in an FSEOG award greater than the revised unmet need.
• First Degree Requirement: The scholarship is only disbursed to undergraduate students who have not previously earned a bachelor's or graduate degree.

Scholarship Award

The amount distributed under FSEOG may fluctuate depending on several parameters:

• Award Range: As much as $100 to $4,000 per academic year-increasing with the level of the student's demonstrated financial need, the student's application timing, or when funds are available at your college.
• Disbursement: The disbursement shall normally occur at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter). The disbursement may be credited directly to the student's account or paid out directly to the student.

Other Details

• How to Apply: To receive FSEOG, one needs to complete FAFSA or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is important to submit this application as early as possible due to limited funding and a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Institution Eligibility: Not all institutions participate in FSEOG. Students should contact their own institution's financial aid office to confirm participation and funding availability.

Priority Priority is given to students with the highest demonstrated financial need, particularly those receiving Pell Grants. As such, early submission of the FAFSA can make a big difference in terms of eligibility and award amount.

To apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), you need to follow these steps:

Application Steps At Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Complete the FAFSA:

• The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is essential for determining your financial need and eligibility for federal aid, including the FSEOG. The FAFSA is available online and is free to complete.

• Provide Additional Documentation:

Domestic students will also need to furnish the CSS Profile, an analysis tool in determining their eligibility for need-based awards that include scholarships that are need-based at MIT. You will also be required to upload your parents' tax returns and income documentation through the College Board's secure IDOC platform.

• Submit Early:

Since FSEOG funding is limited, it's important to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. MIT encourages applicants to complete their financial aid applications by specific deadlines

• Early Action Applicants: Submit by November 30.
• Regular Action Applicants: Submit by February 15.

• Eligibility and Awarding:

After submitting the FAFSA, MIT's financial aid office will evaluate an application to determine how much of the student's needs they will meet through FSEOG and a few other factors including need. Priority is given to students with the lowest SAI who qualify for Pell Grant.

The FSEOG Grant grants targeted financial support to eligible undergraduate students with compelling financial needs. Students seeking this grant should ensure they meet all qualifications and apply early through the FAFSA process.