Grants

Grants are need-based aid usually from the state or federal government. To apply for federal or state aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is a formula used to calculate your or your family's ability to pay. The formula takes into consideration your earnings and savings, parental income, nonretirement assets, taxes paid, family size, number in college, and nondiscretionary expenses.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program is administrated by the Federal Department of Education. Students must complete a FAFSA every year to be considered for the Pell grant program. Eligibility Requirements are:

• Undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree
• U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate an exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA
• Have not exceed your Lifetime Eligibility (six years or 600%).

For 2023-2024, the maximum Pell grant award is $7,395 (year). The amount a student is eligible to receive is based on your financial need and enrollment status. Students must meet the eligibility requirements and be enrolled in a financial aid payable program. Southeastern disburses Pell grant funds at the earliest 30 days after classes begin. If eligible for a refund, a check will be mailed within two weeks after disbursement (usually six weeks after the semester begins).

Minimum Enrollment for Summer Pell Eligibility

Students must enroll in a minimum number of credits for summer Pell consideration. The minimum credits are determined by their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment during the prior fall and spring semesters. These courses you enroll in must be federal-aid eligible courses required for your degree completion.

• If a student was enrolled full-time (12 or more credits) and received a full-time Pell Grant for both the fall and spring semesters, they must enroll at least half-time (6 or more credits) in summer to receive Pell.
• If a student enrolled part-time (less than half-time) during fall and/or spring, there is not a minimum credit requirement for summer to receive Pell. These students would still have Pell eligibility remaining from their fall and spring semesters to use for summer.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Eligibility requirements are the same as the Federal Pell grant. Awards vary every year based on funding levels. Priority consideration is given to early applicants and those with the lowest EFC. The minimum annual award is $100.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan may be eligible for this grant. Unlike SEOG, students who are eligible for Pell are not eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

Eligibility Requirements:

• meet the all other requirements for Federal Pell grant, and
• parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
• student was under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of parent's or guardian's death.

Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)

The MAP grant is administrated by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Students must complete a FAFSA by the state priority deadline. This date changes every year based on funding levels determined by the Illinois General Assembly and volume of applicants. The priority consideration deadline for 2025-2026 is June 5, 2025. It is imperative that students complete the FAFSA early every year.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Completed a FAFSA
• Undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree
• U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Demonstrate an exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA
• Resident of Illinois
• Enrolled in at least three credit hours

Eligibility for MAP grant is tracked by the equivalent number of semester credit hours of MAP benefits paid on your behalf. This is called MAP Paid Credit Hours. Payment for each term is made according to the equivalent number of credit hours eligible for MAP payment, with the minimum of three and maximum of 15 MAP Paid Credit Hours. The maximum MAP Paid Credit Hours a student may receive at Southeastern is 75.