This program is the federal government's largest gift-aid program and provides funds to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet obtained a bachelors or professional degree. Applications must show financial need to be eligible. The grant amounts range from $400 to $4,310.

The federal SEOG is given to undergraduate students with significant financial need and priority is given to Pell Grant recipients. Amounts range from $100 to $4,000. These grants are awarded by the school. The amount you receive may depend on the timing of your application, and the school's available funding for the program.

Academic Competiveness Grant and SMART Grant

The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 created two new grant programs for Pell Grant recipients: the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) programs. These grants are intended to promote and reward academic achievement and, in the case of National SMART Grants, to encourage the completion of bachelor's degrees in math, the sciences, engineering, technology, and certain foreign languages.The two grants provide aid to Pell Grant recipients who meet additional criteria specific to each grant.  ACGs are awarded to first-year and second-year college students who have completed a rigorous high school program such as an advanced or honors diploma program. National SMART Grants are awarded to third-year and fourth-year college students who major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, and certain foreign languages.

The work-study program provides jobs to students with financial need to earn money to pay for educational expenses. The program allows students to work either on or off campus and acquire work skills and contacts for future job references. The work hours and pay are determined by the school and the pay is at least minimum wage.

The Perkins Loan is a low interest (5%) loan that must be repaid after you leave school. Funds for this program are provided by the federal government with your school serving as the lender. Repayment begins 9 months after the student drops below a half-time status. You must repay this loan to your school. Loan amounts are based on the student's financial need and availability of funds, you can borrow up to:

• $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study. The total amount you can borrow as an undergraduate is $20,000. 
• $6,000 for each year of graduate or professional study. The total amount you can borrow as a graduate/professional student is $40,000 (maximum includes undergraduate Perkins Loans received).