Grants

What are grants?

A grant is a type of financial aid that is generally not repaid and whose source could be through federal, state, or university funds.

Federal and state grants are typically awarded only to undergraduate students. University grants (such as the KU Tuition Grant) may be awarded to undergraduates and graduate/professional/law students.

Grants are usually need-based programs and typically awarded to students with financial need. Information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Teacher Education Assistance for College, and High Kansas Comprehensive Grant, and KU grant programs.

Eligibility

To be considered for limited-fund, need-based grants, you must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements (individual programs may have additional eligibility requirements):

  • File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov. File by March 1 to be considered for limited-fund programs.
  • Be an undergraduate student who has never earned a bachelor's degree.
  • Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student. Financial aid is generally not available for nondegree-seeking students or for continuing education coursework.

Some KU grants may have additional eligibility requirements.

Amounts

Although award amounts may differ from year to year for each grant program, the total amount of grant aid awarded rarely covers a student's total cost of attendance. A student's estimated includes estimated expenses for tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses for the academic year. Students with good academic standing and high financial need may also qualify for need-based scholarships. In addition, many students consider self-help assistance, such as Federal Work-Study or student loans.

Note: See eligibility for information regarding circumstances that may cause your aid to be adjusted or cancelled. If you withdraw from classes, you may be required to repay some or all of your aid. Review Withdrawing and/or Dropping classes for details.


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