Grants

Unlike a loan, grants do not have to be repaid. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income students to promote access to postsecondary education.

Grant Amount

Grant amounts are dependent on: the student’s expected family contribution (EFC); the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution); the student’s enrollment status (full-time or part-time); and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.

2022-2023 Amount:
Up to $6,895. Awarded by the federal government according to the Pell Grant formula. 

Eligibility Limit

Effective on July 1, 2012, you can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years). You’ll receive a notice if you’re getting close to your limit. If you have any questions, contact us.

The SEOG Program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the costs of postsecondary education.

Grant Amount

Up to $500. Awarded to Pell-eligible students with the lowest expected family contribution until funds are used up.

Eligibility Determination

Each participating school receives a certain amount of SEOG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid. When making SEOG awards, the institution must give priority to those students with “exceptional need” (those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions, or EFCs, at the institution) and those who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients. Once the full amount of the school’s SEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more SEOG awards can be made for that year. This system works differently from the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides funds to every eligible student. Make sure you apply for federal student aid as early as you can because SEOG is awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Secondary and Elementary education majors may be eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant. Please see the criteria below to find out if you qualify for this opportunity.

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching.  As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve in which you agree to (among other requirements) teach in a high-need field at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant.

You must be enrolled in one of the following majors at Alma College to be eligible for the TEACH Grant:

• Biology, Secondary Teaching Major
• Chemistry, Secondary Teaching Major
• Math, Secondary Teaching Major
• Physics, Secondary Teaching Major
• Special Education,Secondary or Elementary Teaching Major
• any other field that has been identified as high-need by the federal government, a state government, or a local education agency, and that is included in the annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing(Nationwide List).

If you plan to teach in a high-need field that is included in the Nationwide List, that field must be listed for the state where you teach either at the time you begin your qualifying teaching service or at the time you received a TEACH Grant.

Students pursuing a second Bachelor degree or certification are not eligible.

To receive a TEACH Grant

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), although you do not have to demonstrate financial need.
• Meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
• Be enrolled in a program of study designated by Alma College as TEACH Grant-eligible. Eligible programs are those that prepare a student to teach in a high-need area and are listed above.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) on your college coursework to receive a grant for each subsequent term
• Complete TEACH Grant Entrance Counseling.
• Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS) and respond to requests by the U.S. Department of Education confirming your continuing intention to meet the teaching obligation. The ATS is online at studentaid.gov.
• When you leave school, or if you change programs you are required to complete TEACH exit counseling.

Each year you receive a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve and Promise to Pay (service agreement) that will be available electronically on a Department of Education Web site. The TEACH Grant service agreement specifies the conditions under which the grant will be awarded, the teaching service requirements, and includes an acknowledgment by you that you understand that if you do not meet the teaching service requirements you must repay the grant as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accrued from the date the grant funds were first disbursed.

What is my teaching obligation after graduation?

• You must serve as a full-time teacher for a total of at least four academic years within eight years after you complete or otherwise cease to be enrolled in the program(s) for which you received TEACH Grant funds.
• You must perform the teaching service as a highly qualified teacher at a low-income school or educational service agency.
• Your teaching service must be in a high-need field.
• You must provide the U.S. Department of Education with documentation of your progress toward completing your service obligation.
• If you do not meet the requirements of your service obligation, all TEACH Grant funds you received will be converted to a direct unsubsidized loan. You must repay this loan in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

Highly-Qualified Teacher: You must perform the teaching service as a highly-qualified teacher, which is defined in federal law. The definition can be found online.

Full-Time Teacher: You must meet the state’s definition of a full time teacher and spend the majority (at least 51 percent) of your time teaching one of the high-need subject areas.

Schools Serving Low-Income Students: Schools serving low-income students include any elementary or secondary school that is listed in the Department of Education’s Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.

What are the documentation requirements?

You must respond promptly to any requests for information or documentation from the U.S. Department of Education, even if they seem repetitive. These requests will be sent to you while you are still in school as well as once you are out of school. You will be asked regularly to confirm that you either still intend to teach or that you are teaching as required. You must provide documentation to the U.S. Department of Education at the end of each year of teaching.

If you temporarily cease enrollment in your program of study or if you encounter situations that affect your ability to begin or continue teaching, you will need to stay in touch with the U.S. Department of Education to avoid your grants being converted to loans before you are able to complete your teaching obligation.

Can a TEACH Grant service obligation every be suspended or canceled?

You may request a temporary suspension of the eight-year period for completing your TEACH Grant service obligation based on the following situations:

• Your enrollment in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program or your enrollment in a program that a state requires you to complete in order to receive a certification or license to teach in that state’s elementary or secondary schools. For example, if you received a TEACH Grant for an undergraduate program and you later enroll in a graduate program for which you would be eligible to receive a TEACH Grant, you could receive a suspension of the eight-year period for completing your service obligation for the undergraduate program while you are enrolled in the graduate program.
• A condition that is a qualifying reason for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• A call or order to active duty status for more than 30 days as a member of the armed forces reserves, or service as a member of the National Guard on full-time National Guard duty under a call to active service in connection with a war, military operation, or national emergency.

Suspensions are granted in one-year increments, not to exceed a combined total of three years for the first two conditions listed above, or a total of three years for the third condition. If you receive a suspension, the eight-year period for completing your service obligation is put “on hold” during the suspension period. For example, if you receive a one-year suspension after two years of the eight-year period for completing your service obligation have elapsed, you would have six years left to complete your service obligation when the one-year suspension period ends.

Your TEACH Grant service obligation may be canceled (discharged) if you die or if you become totally and permanently disabled.

You may also receive a discharge of some or all of your four-year teaching requirement if you are called or ordered to qualifying military active duty for a period that exceeds three years.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you receive a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required teaching service, as explained above, you will be required to repay the grants as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

On March 23, 2018 the President authorized the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act for students eligible for Pell grant whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty as a public safety officer. For more specific eligibility criteria and information you can read the announcement here. 
*If you feel you may be eligible please indicate so on your FAFSA or you may email finaid@alma.edu for next steps.


 

As defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); or

A fire police officer, defined as an individual who is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency and provides scene security or directs traffic in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency, or at a planned special event.

Have been less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death; and Be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC. In subsequent award years, the student continues to be eligible for the scholarship, as long as the student has a Pell-eligible EFC and continues to be an eligible student.

Michigan Tuition Grant (MTG)

The MTG is awarded, based on need, to students enrolled at Michigan independent colleges and universities. Eligibility requirements include:

• Apply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
• Awards range up to $2,000 per year and may be renewed each year based on a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Maximum terms of eligibility: 10 semesters.
• Michigan residency is required from July 1 of the year before enrollment.
• Students enrolled at least half-time are eligible if need is established.

How to Apply

Filing a FAFSA by March 1st qualifies you for the Michigan Tuition Grant/Competitive Scholarship, but additional requirements apply:

• Alma College must be the first school listed on your FAFSA before July of the year you will be entering college or designated as your school of choice in the MI Student Portal.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Possess a high school diploma, certificate of completion, or general educational development certificate (GED)
• Be a Michigan resident (student and parent) since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or approved refugee.
• Meet institution’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy
• Must not be in default on a Federal/State student loan.

The Tuition Incentive Program (TIP) encourages eligible Medicaid recipients to complete high school by providing tuition assistance for college. The award is limited to tuition and mandatory fees. View the TIP Fact Sheet here!

Eligibility for TIP

• Student must have received Medicaid coverage for 24 months within a 36-month period between the ages of 9 and high school graduation.
• Students are identified by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as having met the Medicaid eligibility requirement. Students may be identified as TIP eligible as early as sixth grade, typically age 12 or after.
• Obtain a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent prior to age 20.
• TIP must be initiated within four years from high school graduation and eligibility ends expires ten years after initial enrollment.
• Must be a MI resident. (parents of dependent students must also be MI residents)
• Must be an undergraduate student.

How to Apply for TIP

• File a current-year FAFSA.
• Be enrolled in at least six credit hours within your degree program.

To Receive TIP Funds at Alma College

Alma College participates in Phase II of the TIP Program. Students will not be eligible to receive TIP at Alma until they have earned 56 credit hours or their Associates Degree.

Students must select Alma College each year by:

• Listing Alma College as their first choice on the FAFSA
• Selecting Alma College within the MiSSG Student Portal (www.michigan.gov/missg)
• Calling the MiSSG office to indicate Alma College as their choice at 1-888-4-GRANTS

Additional Information

Additional Information about the TIP program may be found at the State of Michigan Office of Scholarships and Grants website. See the for a quick reference on school participation, program limits and eligibility.

The Children of Veterans Tuition Grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance to students older than 16 and less than 26 years of age who are the natural or adopted child of a Michigan veteran. The veteran must have died or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service.

Eligibility

Veteran must:

• Have been killed in action or died from another cause while serving in a war or war condition in which the United States of America was or is participating; or,
• Have died or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of a service-connected illness or injury as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; or,
• Have been totally and permanently disabled as a result of a service-connected illness or injury prior to death and has now died; or,
• Be listed as Missing in Action (MIA) in a foreign country as determined by the U.S. government.

Student must:

• Enroll at least half-time.
• Be a Michigan resident for one year prior to program application.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or approved refugee.
• Not have been convicted of a felony involving an assault, physical injury, or death.
• For renewal, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.25.
• For renewal, must meet institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
• Not be in default on a Federal student loan.

Application Process

An application is required and can be completed through the MiSSG Student Portal. In addition to the CVTG application, the following documents must also be submitted:

1. Applicant’s (child’s) birth certificate (must list parents’ names).
2. Veteran’s discharge certificate or separation document (DD Form 214 or Casualty Report).
3. Veteran’s death certificate or casualty report.
4. Proof of total and permanent disability or death due to service-incurred causes.

Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The first institution listed on the FAFSA will be considered the priority school. Students are responsible for notifying MI Student Aid of a change in their college choice. This can be done through the MiSSG Student Portal or by calling 1-888-447-2687.

Deadline

Eligible students must apply and receive benefits prior to age 26.

Program Limits

Undergraduate students may receive scholarship assistance for up to four academic years and a total of up to $11,200 (whichever comes first). Future awards are subject to available and approved funding.

Award Amount

Awards are for an academic year with the amount determined by the student’s enrollment status.

• Full-time students can receive up to a maximum of $2,800 per academic year.
• Three-quarter time students up to $2,100.
• Half-time students up to $1,400 or an amount equal to all of the student’s eligible tuition in that academic year, whichever is less.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, the student must:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Have begun your first semester or term in the education program in the Fall 2022 semester or after.
• Be a high school graduate.
• Be admitted in the Fall 2022 semester or after in an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
• Be enrolled at least full-time or its equivalency.
• Be working on your first teacher certification.
• Must have earned at least 56 semester credits or 84 term credits.
  Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.
• Be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.
  
  • If you are a dependent student, your parent on your FAFSA must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year.

Commitment to Teach in Michigan

When a student receives this award, they agree to work in Michigan classrooms.

• If you receive one year of funding from the MI Future Educator Fellowship you agree to work as a certified teacher in a public, nonpublic, or public preschool program in Michigan for three years.
• If you receive two years of funding from the MI Future Educator Fellowship you agree to work as a certified teacher in a public, nonpublic, or public preschool program in Michigan for four years.
• If you receive three years of funding from the MI Future Educator Fellowship you agree to work as a certified teacher in a public, nonpublic, or public preschool program in Michigan for five years.
• If you teach in a critical needs district your service obligation may be less.

If a student does not meet this service obligation requirement and/or does not finish the teacher certification program, the fellowship converts to a 0% interest rate loan with a repayment term of 10 years.

Renewal Requirements

Fellowship is renewable for up to three years. To renew, the student must:

• Maintain continuous full-time enrollment
• Achieve at least 24 credits per year
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA
• Participate in relevant academic and career advising programs offered by the school
• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Maintain Michigan residency

To Apply Follow these steps:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Create a portal account on the MiSSG Student Portal.
• Complete the application in your MiSSG Student Portal for MI Future Educator Fellowship.
• Institutions will be contacted to confirm student eligibility.

Award Amount

$10,000 per year or the cost of tuition at the in-district, resident rate plus mandatory fees per year, whichever is less.  Other tuition specific aid may reduce this award.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be admitted in an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) approved by Michigan’s State Board of Education.
• Be working towards initial teacher certification.
• Be participating full-time or its equivalency in required student teacher coursework.
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Be in an unpaid student teaching position in a Michigan public school district or a public school academy.
• Not received the MI Future Educator Stipend before, unless your program specifically requires more than one semester of student teaching.

Up to $9,600 per semester to be paid towards allowable student teaching expenses (tuition, living expenses, childcare, etc.)

To Apply Follow these steps:

• Create an account on the MiSSG Student Portal.
• Complete the application in the MiSSG Student Portal for MI Future Educator Stipend.
• Complete the MI Future Stipend Verification Form through the MiSSG Student Portal Account.
• Institutions will be contacted to confirm student eligibility.

An application is required and must be completed annually during the open enrollment period.

There are two ways to complete the FFS application:

1. Online by creating a MiSSG Student Portal Account at Michigan.gov/MISSG, or
2. Over the phone by contacting the Customer Care Center at 1-888-447-2687.

Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The first institution listed on the FAFSA will be considered the priority school. Students are responsible for notifying MI Student Aid of a change in their college choice. This can be done through the MiSSG Student Portal or by calling 1-888-447-2687.

The Fostering Futures Scholarship (FFS), a State of Michigan* program, provides scholarships to young adults who have experienced foster care on or after their 13^th birthday. The State of Michigan works with individuals, community organizations, and businesses to encourage charitable contributions that go towards Fostering Futures Scholarship funds.

Awards are paid directly to the students’ institution to assist with unmet need in one or more of the following categories:

• Tuition/Fees
• Room/Board
• Books/Supplies

*State of Michigan departments that are involved are the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Michigan Department of Treasury-Student Scholarships and Grants (SSG) and Michigan Education Trust (MET).

The student is responsible for notifying SSG of a change of address or college choice. Students must complete an application annually during the open enrollment period.

EDUCATION TRAINING VOUCHERS
Samaritas guides foster youth through college with federally-funded education assistance grants. Samaritas grants and case managers support foster youth toward obtaining their educational goals.