Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional (graduate/Master’s) degree.  The dollar amounts of a Pell Grant awards can change yearly. The amount of your award depends on your:

• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI) – your financial need based on the FAFSA application
• Cost of Attendance
• Status as a full-time or part-time student, and
• Plans to attend school for a full academic year or less 

You can only receive Pell Grant funds from one school at a time. The maximum time frame for Pell Grant eligibility (set by federal law) is 12 full-time semesters or the equivalent of six years. Since the amount of a scheduled Pell Grant award you can receive each award year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%. You will receive a notice from the Financial Aid Office if you’re getting close to your limit.

Summer Pell

Students, who did not receive their full Pell Grant in the fall or spring semesters, may be eligible for the remaining Pell for the summer term.  Additionally, students who have received full-time Pell Grant in both fall and spring may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant in the summer if they enroll at least half-time and have lifetime Pell eligibility remaining. Students must ensure that they complete the FAFSA for the upcoming year and submit all requested verification documents.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG Program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the cost of postsecondary education. SEOG Grants are funded by federal and institutional sources and are available on a first come first served basis. The Financial Aid Office will award FSEOG funds to students that have the most financial need; priority is given to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant.  The amount of your awards depends on:

• When you applied and completed your FAFSA application
• Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI) – your financial need based on the FAFSA application
• Amount of other aid you get
• Status as a full-time or part-time student
• Availability of funds

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)

The Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant provides money to undergraduate students to help pay for their educational expenses and has special eligibility criteria.  You may be eligible to receive the Iraq or Afghanistan Grant if you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution but

• You meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant Eligibility requirements;
• Your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, and
• You were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.

State Grants and Scholarships

State grants are provided by the state of New Mexico and are considered priority-based aid. Students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as early as October 1st annually to maintain maximum eligibility for state-based grants. State grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

New Mexico Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grant (LEAP)

The LEAP, or formerly known as the NMSIG, Program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students, who are New Mexico residents, finance the cost of postsecondary education.  NMSIG Grants are funded by the State Of New Mexico and are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Priority is given to students who receive Federal Pell Grants.  Eligibility requirements are listed as follows: 

• New Mexico Resident
• Enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate student at a NM public college or university or tribal college
• Demonstrated financial need (your financial need based on the FAFSA application)
• Has completed a high school diploma or high school equivalency credential.

Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship Program

The purpose of the Act is to encourage eligible New Mexico students to attend and complete an accredited public education department-approved teacher preparation program at a New Mexico public post-secondary educational institution or a tribal college by providing a scholarship opportunity. The scholarship is intended to help defray the educational expenses charged by the public post-secondary institution or tribal college including tuition, fees, books and course supplies, and living expenses.  Eligibility requirements are listed below:

• Is a resident of New Mexico or is eligible for the nondiscrimination waiver.
• Is enrolled at least half-time in a teacher preparation program at an eligible institution and who is pursuing a teaching degree at any time later than 120 days following high school graduation or the award of a high school equivalency credential recognized by the State of New Mexico;
• Has not earned appropriate educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher by the public education department; and
• Has demonstrated financial need (your financial need is based on the FAFSA application)