GRANTS
Federal Pell Grant
Pell is a federal grant administered by the Office of Student Financial Services. It is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. The current maximum award is $4,731 for 2008-09. The exact amount depends on your need and your enrollment. For example, you will receive less as a part-time student than you will as a full-time student.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This is a grant for undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Applicants must also be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, but not every student receiving a Federal Pell Grant will receive an FSEOG. Awards are given to the students with the most need, according to the availability of funding.
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG Grant) and
National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) Programs ACG and SMART Grant are awarded to students who meet certain criteria established by the Federal government. Students apply for the ACG and SMART Grant by completing the FAFSA. Please visit the following US Department of Education website for more information on student eligibility:
US Dept. of Ed: ACG & SMART Grant
State Grants
State grant award levels and eligibility criteria are controlled by the awarding state. Generally, state grants are awarded on the basis of need and limited to students attending schools within their own state of residence. Some states, such as Delaware, have reciprocity agreements with Pennsylvania, so that you are allowed to receive their grants while studying in Pennsylvania.
All financial aid applicants who are residents of Pennsylvania, Delaware, or other reciprocal states are expected to apply for their state grant.
Widener Grant-In-Aid
Widener Grant-In-Aid is awarded from university resources to full-time undergraduate day students who are pursuing their first degree and demonstrate financial need. Eligible students may receive up to eight semesters of grant assistance. Students who complete the financial aid process are automatically considered for Widener Grant-In-Aid. A separate application is not needed.