The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA) created this grant program for students who are at degree-granting institutions, and are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
The ACG is available for first-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. This grant is in addition to the student's Federal Pell Grant.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
To receive the ACG each academic year, a student must:
Be a Federal Pell Grant recipient.
Be enrolled in a degree program. Beginning in July 1, 2009, Students enrolled
six (6) or more credits are eligible; award pro-rated based on enrollment.
Be enrolled in the first or second academic year of his or her program of study
at a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution.
Have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study (after January 1, 2006,
if a first-year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student).
If a first-year student, not have been previously enrolled in
an undergraduate
program.
If a second-year student, have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA)
on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year.
How Much Can a Student Receive?
The ACG will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second-year students must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for the first academic year.
The amount of the student's ACG, in combination with the student's Federal Pell Grant, other resources, and estimated financial assistance, may not exceed the student's financial need (cost of attendance minus the Expected Family Contribution [EFC] equals financial need). A student may not receive more than one ACG award in each academic year for which the student is eligible.
All annual award amounts for an academic year may be ratably reduced if sufficient funds are not available to all eligible students nationally in an award year.
How Does a Student Apply for the ACG?
A student can apply for the ACG by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on the information provided on the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will notify students of their potential eligibility via their Federal Student Aid Report (SAR), and notify the school.
The school will determine whether the student meets all of the eligibility criteria. The Financial Aid Services Office will award the grant to eligible students.
