Grants for College

The US federal government provides dental grants for college which include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal SEOG Grant, SMART Grants and Academic Competitiveness (AC) Grants (ACG). To apply, a student simply needs to complete the Federal Student Financial Aid (FSFA) form. The information is submitted to the financial aid off the student's dental school

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program may provide dental grants for college to certain postbaccalaureate students as a way of promoting their access to a postsecondary education. Students may use this grant at any participating educational institution. Grant amounts are dependent on the student's expected family contribution (EFC), the cost of attending the dental school program, the student's enrollment status (full time or part time), and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG Program also provides grants to low income undergraduate students for postsecondary education. Students can receive an FSEOG grant for college at any participating postsecondary institution. The school's financial aid administrators are given substantial flexibility to determine the FSEOG amount that is awarded to a student. Priority is given to students who demonstrate "exceptional need" and those who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.

In preparation of dental school, high school, college bound US citizens looking to study dentistry may qualify for The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) and the Academic Competitiveness grants for college. Both grants were enacted to encourage US students to study more challenging courses in high school and pursue college majors in high demand.

SMART Grants for College

Students eligible for the Smart Grant can receive up to $4,000 each academic year. In order to qualify for the grant, students must qualify for the Pell grant, be enrolled full-time in their third or fourth year of study in a four year degree program with a minimum GPA or 3.0. They must also be pursuing a major in mathematics, science (including physical, life, and computer sciences), technology, engineering, or a foreign language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian. Financial aid officers will determine which Pell Grant recipients are eligible for a National SMART Grant for college award. There is no need for you to provide any information beyond what was submitted with the FAFSA.

Academic Competitiveness Grants for College (ACG)

In addition to being eligible for the Pell Grant, first year ACG students are awarded up to $750, while 2nd year eligible students can receive up to $1,300. In order to qualify for an Academic Competitiveness grant for college, students must be in their first or second year of study and be enrolled in a two year or four year degree program full-time. Second year ACG students must have a first year of study GPA of at least 3.0, while first year students must have completed a rigorous high school program of study as designated by their state. A rigorous program can be determined in the following ways:

1. Completion of a state's designated secondary school program of study; or
2. Pass at least two Advanced Placement (AP) tests or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses; or
3. Completion of a high school course of study with at least four years of English, three years of math (including Algebra I and another higher level math course), three years of science (must include two years of biology, chemistry or physics), three years of social studies and, one year of high school foreign language.

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This Website was compiled using a variety of resources and is not intended to substitute or replace the professional financial advice. The content provided is strictly for informational purposes on financing a career or education. Please seek additional information and consult a professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding financing a dental or other professional career.