The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
(National Smart Grant)
The Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA) created two new grant programs for full-time students who are at degree-granting institutions, are U.S. citizens, and are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. Congress has funded the grants for award to eligible students beginning July 1, 2006.
The National SMART Grant is one of the two new grant programs. It is available during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. The Department of Education dictates the list of eligible majors. The student must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. This grant is in addition to the student's Federal Pell Grant award.
What are the Eligibility Requirements?
To receive the National SMART Grant each academic year, a student must:
Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a Federal Pell Grant recipient
- Be enrolled full-time in a degree program
- Be enrolled in a four-year degree-granting institution
- Major in physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics,
technology, or a critical foreign language, determined by the
Department of Education - Have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the coursework
required for the student's major - Be enrolled in at least one course related to major during the semester
receiving the award.
How Much Can A Student Receive?
A National SMART Grant will provide up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study.
The amount of the student's National SMART Grant, 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 National SMART Grant 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 National SMART Grant?
A student can apply for the National SMART Grant by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The postsecondary school listed on the student's FAFSA will determine whether the student meets all of the eligibility requirements. The financial aid office will award the grant to eligible students.
