Understanding the FSEOG and how grants work

If you’re looking for money for college, it’s pretty tough to beat grants as an excellent source- especially the FSEOG. The FSEOG or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is funded by the United States Government and managed by the USDE or United States Department of Education. Schools and universities help to oversee and administer the FSEOG and other programs that are available to a student simply by filling out a FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. However, there are many more types of federal aid available than just the FSEOG, so it’s important to understand what options you have before you start filling out the FAFSA.

The FSEOG is a federal grant, which means that if you are awarded this grant, you will receive money for educational expenses that you never have to repay. You can use the money for tuition, books, travel expenses, living expenses, or any other education related expense. However, the amount awarded via the FSEOG will vary greatly from student to student, so read more before you start counting your ducks before they hatch.

The FSEOG is provided to students with exceptional financial need. In fact, most students who are awarded the FSEOG must first qualify for the federal Pell grant- a common need-based grant that is distributed to thousands of students nationwide. The FSEOG can award anywhere from $100 to $4000, depending upon how much financial need you have.

Whether you’re talking about the FSEOG or any other type of grant, most work in the same manner. They are usually awarded to students who meet certain conditions, such as being a member of a certain group, ethnicity, or field of study. Grants are also provided to underprivileged or disadvantaged students. However, because grants like the FSEOG are sources of free money for college, there is usually fierce competition to obtain them. This is not the case with the FSEOG though, as the grant is only awarded based upon financial need; another reason to target this grant specifically.

Besides the FSEOG, other programs available on the FAFSA include primary and supplemental grants, scholarships, work study, unsubsidized loans, subsidized loans, and other programs from time to time. Additionally, schools often use the FAFSA to make determinations for awarding internally-managed programs such as scholarships and grants that are similar to the FSEOG.