Grants

A grant is a monetary gift that does not have to be repaid. You qualify for grants based on your financial need, although you must also meet some general eligibility requirements.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grant eligibility and amounts are determined by the federal government and are subject to change each year. 

The award amount is calculated based on the financial data you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• You must be an undergraduate student seeking your first bachelor's degree to be able to receive the Federal Pell Grant.
  

Beginning with the 2025–26 award year, a student may qualify for a Pell Grant under one of three sets of eligibility criteria:

• Maximum Pell Grant eligibility (Max Pell), $7,395
• Minimum Pell Grant eligibility (Min Pell), $740
• Calculated Pell Grant eligibility, based on the Student Aid Index (SAI).

Actual Pell Grant award amounts vary for individual students based on their enrollment intensity, SAI, COA, and Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).  

• You are limited to a total of 6 full-time years (600%) of Pell Grant eligibility. Visit the NSLDS website to determine the percentage of Pell Grant you have already received. 

Learn more about Federal Pell Grants. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) 

The SEOG grant is available to undergraduate, Pell Grant-eligible students who are enrolled in 6 or more credits per semester. 

• Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

• Must be a Pell-eligible undergraduate student 

• Funding is limited, so apply early. 

Learn more about the Federal SEOG Grant.  

Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant 

The Federal TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants to graduate or undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in teaching. 

To receive the grant, you must agree to teach in a high-need subject area for at least 4 years and at a school that serves students from low-income families. If you don't fulfill the agreement, your grant will convert into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which you'll need to repay with interest. 

Learn more about the Federal TEACH Grant Program. 

North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG) 

This program is often referred to as the State Grant Program, and it provides grants to first-time undergraduate students who: 

• Graduated from a North Dakota high school or GED program 

• Are residents of North Dakota 

• Attend a North Dakota public, private or tribal college 

Grants are for up to $2,750 per academic year, based on enrollment status. You can apply for the grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Learn more about the North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant Program. 

Maximum Pell Grant Eligibility for Dependents of Certain Deceased Servicemembers and Public Safety Officers

To qualify for maximum Pell Grant Eligibility 

• The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while either (a) serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and

• Less than 33 years old as of January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g. for the 2024-25 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2024, to be eligible).

• Public Safety Officer generally includes the following: Law enforcement officer, Firefighter, Member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employee, Emergency management or civil defense agency employee, Chaplain, Others defined in Section 1204 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968.

• Legacy Iraq Afghanistan Service Grants (IASG) and Children of Fallen Heroes (CFH) Scholarships.