Grants and other Scholarships

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 2009-2010 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 $4,617 or less and meet the general eligibility criteria. Federal Pell Grants for full-time attendance range from $976 to $5350 per academic year, contingent upon congressional appropriation.  Your enrollment status is determined as of the 9th day of classes each semester. 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 prior to 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 number of hours completed.

Academic Competitiveness Grant:

First-year students who graduated from high school in 2007 or later, who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and have completed a rigorous secondary program of study approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education are eligible for a $750 grant.  Second-year students who graduated from high school in 2006 or later, who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, have completed a rigorous secondary program of study approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education and have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the conclusion of their first academic year are eligible for a $1,300 grant.  Students must be enrolled at least half-time.  Grants will be prorated for less than full-time attendance.

National SMART Grant:

Students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, in their third or fourth academic year, have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and have declared a qualifying major field of study (computer science, technology, engineering, life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, or designated foreign language as determined by the U.S. Secretary of Education) are eligible for a $4000 grant.  Students must be enrolled at least half-time.  Grants will be prorated for less than full-time attendance.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG):

Undergraduate students who apply for financial aid will be considered for a 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. Students are eligible for campus-based grants (including the SEOG) for a maximum of eight semesters at CMU.

CMU Grant:

Available to undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time on a need basis, as determined by CMU. Students are eligible for campus-based grants (including the CMU grant) for a maximum of eight semesters.

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).  Follow this link for more information.

Scholarships

Michigan Competitive Scholarship:

Currently under review by the Michigan Office of Scholarships and Grants.

Michigan Merit Award Scholarship (MMAS):

This scholarship is awarded to qualifying students with a high school graduation date prior to 2007.  Qualifying students will receive notification from the Michigan Office of Scholarships and Grants that they have successfully met all requirements for this scholarship. Students are eligible to receive $1250-$1500 per year for two consecutive academic years. Students who wish to use their Michigan Award for the academic year 2007-2008 must certify the award by November 15 either online at: www.michigan.gov/meritaward or by calling 888-4GRANTS (888)447-2687. The OSFA will be notified by the Michigan Office of Scholarships and Grants of qualifying scholarship recipients.  Receipt of the Michigan Merit Award Scholarship may result in a revision to your financial aid award package. If such a revision is necessary, a revised award letter will be sent to you.  For the specific requirements of this scholarship please contact the Michigan Office of Scholarships and Grants.

Indian Tuition Waiver:

A state resident North American Indian who is not less than 25% quantum blood Indian and is enrolled in a degree-granting program is eligible for free tuition at CMU. Applications are available from the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Native American Community Services, 2956 Ashmun Street, Suite A, Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783, Telephone (800) 562-4957, Fax ((906) 632-1810.

Native American Scholarship Searches

The following sites have Native American Scholarship programs available to students. Please refer to the websites below for additional information.