Federal Pell, Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants (SEOG), state grants, and PSU Grants and Scholarships make up need-based gift level. Federal and state grants are based on current year funding from state and federal governments and are subject to change. If any awards change due to funding availability, PSU will notify you after we receive official notification from the appropriate agency(ies).
Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students – those who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Unlike a loan, repayment is not required. If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, PSU will determine the amount for which you qualify based on resources reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA produces a Student Aid Index (SAI) which is used to determine aid eligibility.
Beginning with the 2012-13 academic year, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, limits use of the Federal PELL Grant to 12 semesters during each student’s lifetime eligibility for Pell Grants. This change impacts ALL students who have ever received Federal Pell Grants. Students who are close to their eligibility limit may be eligible for less Federal Pell Grant funding than they would have been previously.
If corrections are required, we may need to receive an updated FAFSA correction from the Department of Education before we can finalize your award. The amount of your award is determined by the cost of attendance at the institution, your status of full-time or part-time, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Federal Supplemental Equal Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Equal Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need—that is, students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) as deemed by the data you report on your FAFSA. Priority is given to students who also receive Federal Pell Grants and file by PSU’s priority deadline of March 1. A Federal SEOG does not have to be paid back. Please note that not every eligible student receives a Federal SEOG; funding is limited and an SEOG offer is based upon the funding availability at PSU.
State Grants
State Grants are available to help financially needy undergraduate students from the states of Vermont and Maine. Please note that Maine State Grants are only available to students enrolled in a qualifying NEBHE major.
New Hampshire now offers a UNIQUE Annual Grant through an allotment from the University System of New Hampshire. To be eligible, students must demonstrate high need on their FAFSA and file prior to December 31.
Students from these states should reach out to their state agencies directly with any questions:
Vermont - (802) 654-3750
Maine - 207-623-3263
PSU Grants
PSU Grants are need-based gift assistance awarded through a review of the student’s financial eligibility as determined from the results of the FAFSA. Students receiving PSU Grants are required to file their FAFSA by PSU’s priority filing deadline of March 1st. Eligibility is determined annually based on reviewing the FAFSA by PSU’s priority deadline and fund availability.
Note: Grants and Scholarships (Federal Pell, State Grants, and PSU Scholarship/Grants ) make up the gift level awarded by PSU. If ANY federal/state awards change, there may be an adjustment in PSU’s University Grant award (up or down).
TEACH Grant Program
Federal TEACH Grant Program (TEACH) is not available through PSU.
