The FAFSA and the FSEOG

Any student that has ever applied to a university or school before knows about the FAFSA, but few have heard of the FSEOG. Most students are aware that via the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, many types of educational funding can be obtained. This includes subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, grants, scholarships, and federal work study programs. Of these programs, nearly every student has heard of the Pell grant, and many have probably heard of the Perkins loan. The FSEOG or Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant is not very well known, however. This is especially strange considering that the FSEOG can provide thousands of dollars in free money for college.

Once a student has filled out a FAFSA, their eligibility for federal aid will be determined using a number of criteria. A great deal of what aid you qualify for will depend upon your EFC or Expected Family Contribution. Because the FSEOG and other programs like it are awarded based upon financial need, those students who come from disadvantaged or low income families will receive these awards first. However, a student must first qualify for the federal Pell grant.

By filling out a FAFSA, you can be awarded both the Pell grant and the FSEOG. The Pell awards up to $4000 and the FSEOG can award an additional $100 to $4000. This money can be used for any education-related expenses, and it never has to be repaid. The FSEOG is only available to undergraduate students, but some students may be able to earn more than one award in a year if they are exceptional students and are nearing completion of their studies.

Being that the FAFSA and the FSEOG is available at more than 4,000 schools nationwide, it’s easy to apply. Simply go online and fill out a FAFSA, then submit it to as many schools as you want. FAFSA’s must be submitted through the schools themselves if you want to see if you qualify for school-administered types of aid in addition to federal aid.

To apply for the FSEOG, fill out the FAFSA.