federal student grants available to CUNY undergraduate students:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources may be added.  Federal grants are awarded to undergraduate students who haven't earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. Pell grants are available at all CUNY colleges, but the college you plan to attend must be listed on your FAFSA.  Almost all federal grants are awarded to students with financial need. The amount of your Federal Pell Grant depends on your cost of attendance, expected family contribution, enrollment status and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. 

Application  Form

The FAFSA is the application that is used for federal government grants

Residency and Citizenship

You must be a citizen of the United States or eligible non-citizen

Award Amounts

For the 2012-2013 academic year a Pell Grant ranges from $602 to $5,550 a year, depending on your family income and other factors. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant it is possible to receive an award as either a part-time or full-time student.

Qualifying Programs and Credits

You must be accepted for admission to a degree seeking eligible program

Pell Grant can be awarded if you are registered for as few as one equated credit

Pursuit and Progress

You must be in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress towards completing a degree

Additional information on Pell

• Students can receive Pell Grants only up to 12 semesters, or it's equivalent for part-time students   
• Pell is for students pursuing undergraduate degrees only
• You may not be in default on a previous federal student loan or owe the federal government a refund of financial aid previously received
• You must be willing to verify the information you provide on the FAFSA
• If you are male between 18 and 25 years of age you must register with Selective Service
• Not convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs while receiving financial aid

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a campus-based program for which CUNY uses federal funds. To receive FSEOG you must demonstrate exceptional financial need. Preference for FSEOG is given to students who are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. In addition to exceptional need you must demonstrate a willingness to assist in financing of your college education through a part-time employment or student loan borrowing.

Application Form

Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA

Residency and Citizenship

You must be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen

Qualifying Program and credits

You must be accepted for admission to a degree-seeking program

You must register for at least six equated credits

Additional Information on FSEOG

• You must be in good academic standing and make satisfactory progress towards completing a degree
• You may not be in default on a previous federal student loan or owe the federal government a refund of financial aid previously received
• You must be willing to verify the information you provide on the FAFSA
• If you are male between 18 and 25 years of age you must register with Selective Service
• You may not possess or sell illegal drugs while receiving financial aid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Federal Pell Grant?

Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added. Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students.

How do I apply for a Pell Grant and other types of need-based aid?

Submit a FAFSA. To indicate interest in student employment, student loans and parent loans, you should check the appropriate boxes on FAFSA and the CUNY supplement form. Checking these boxes does not commit you to accepting these types of aid. You will have the opportunity to accept or decline each part of your aid package later. Leaving these boxes unchecked will not increase the amount of grants you receive.

Can I get PELL for remedial courses?

You may receive PELL and other forms of federal aid for up to 30 hours of non-credit remedial course work (excluding ESL courses).

Can I get PELL for repeating a course?

If you are repeating a course you need to check the policy of your college and it's grading policy. You may receive PELL and other forms of federal aid for that course. You should remember that repeating a course may limit your ability to meet the Satisfactory Academic Performance requirements for receipt of federal student aid.

If I am eligible how will I get the Pell Grant Money?

Your school can apply Pell Grant funds to your school costs, pay you directly (usually by check), or combine these methods. The school must inform you in writing how much your award will be and how and when you'll be paid. Schools must disburse funds at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter).

What is a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)?

FSEOGs are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need (those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) numbers. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.