Grants
In the complex and sometimes intimidating world of financial assistance, “grant” is the one word every student and parent wants to hear. For those who qualify for and are awarded a grant, it is financial aid you won’t have to pay back so long as you live up to the terms of the grant.
Federal and state grants are available to CMU students both full- and part-time, and on- and off-campus (including Online). Early application is strongly recommended.
Federal Grants
All students receiving federal student aid must meet all general student eligibility requirements such as enrollment in an eligible degree-seeking program, be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, registration for selective service, demonstrate financial need (if required by the aid program), meeting requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress, not be in default or over-award on any previously received federal student aid, and requirements to specific aid programs as described below. Application for all federal student aid programs are completed by filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All verification must be completed and conflicting information resolved to receive disbursement of federal student aid.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation for all federal student financial aid. The Pell Grant program provides grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the results of their FAFSA application. Students are eligible for up to 12 semesters of Pell awards or 600% lifetime limit. The Federal Pell Grant award varies by student and is calculated based on their EFC (Expected Financial Contribution), calculated when submitting their FAFSA form. The Pell Grant is also dependent upon whether or not the student is enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more), three-quarter time (9-11 credit hours), half-time (6-8 credit hours), or less-than-half-time (less than 6 hours) in a semester.
Summer Pell
The federal government reinstated year-round Pell, which allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise. In order to qualify for Summer Pell Grant, a student must:
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Have a current FAFSA on file
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Have been eligible for the Federal Pell Grant in the current academic year
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Enroll in at least 6 hours for the summer semester* (see note below for more information)
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Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
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Have lifetime Pell Grant eligibility remaining (you can check this by logging in to StudentAid.gov)
Summer Pell will not affect the amount of eligibility you receive over the course of your academic career as it counts towards the aforementioned 12 semesters or 600% lifetime limit used. As with Pell Grant for the fall or spring semesters, the amount received is based on the FAFSA and a student's EFC. It is recommended that you consult with the Office of Financial Assistance in order to determine your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant in the summer semester.
*NOTE: If you were NOT enrolled full-time in both the fall and spring semesters, you may qualify for Federal Pell Grant even if you enroll less than 6 hours for the summer semester. Again, it is recommended that you contact the Office of Financial Assistance to determine your eligibility for Summer Pell Grant.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG program is a campus-based grant available to undergraduate students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need based on their EFC (Effective Family Contribution) calculated from information provided on the FAFSA. The schools are given limited FSEOG funds and once these funds are depleted, the schools can no longer award FSEOG funds to students. Priority is given to those students who have submitted their FAFSA by February 1 and are a Federal Pell grant recipient with the highest level of need awarded first. The maximum FSEOG funds awarded to CLAS students is $700 per year. The maximum FSEOG funds awarded to CGES students is $400 per year. Both full and part-time students are eligible to receive FSEOG.
State Grants
The Access Missouri Grant is available for Missouri residents attending full time, have submitted their FAFSA prior to February 1 each year, and demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA results. The minimum grant award is $1,500 for those eligible. The Missouri Bright Flight scholarship is available for Missouri residents attending full time and have scored in the top three percent on the ACT or SAT test. Students may receive Bright Flight awards up to $3,000 depending on state appropriations. To maintain these grant awards, students must achieve at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Award amounts depend state legislative activity.
The Fast Track Grant program is a new financial aid program for adults beginning with the 2020-21 academic year. For more information and eligibility, please see the page that covers the program in detail below.
