Academic Competitiveness Grant
What the Heck is an Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)?
While you might already realize that college is a competitive business, the Academic Competitiveness Grant encourages this for students who might not think they can afford to be in the classroom.
College doesn't seem to be getting any cheaper for you, does it? And while you might be ready to take up a loan to get your college costs down, student loans aren't the only options for paying your tuition. You might also want to look into grants, which you never have to pay back. One of your options includes the Academic Competitiveness Grant, which many students have already used to finally earn their degree.
What is the Academic Competitiveness Grant?
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is a federal grant which is used to help students who are suffering economic hardship. This grant has been established to keep students in school who might not have been able to afford it without the grant. Often given in conjunction with other grants, the Academic Competitiveness Grant works to alleviate the financial pressure of college and open up the doors of higher education to everyone. Remember, you do NOT have to pay a grant back. All you need to do is to apply and attend class, following the specific requirements for the Academic Competitiveness Grant.
Which Students Qualifies for the ACG?
The Academic Competitiveness Grant became available during the 2006 to 2007 school year for first year undergraduate students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year undergraduate students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005.
Since this grant is often given in conjunction with the Federal Pell Grant, those who qualify will generally be those who are suffering exceptional financial hardship as determined by their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
Students need to be enrolled at least half time during the first and second years of their college degree or half time during at least one year at a degree-granting educational institution.
If applying for aid in the second year of study, students need to have had a 3.0 GPA at the end of their first year of study.
Other qualifications include having to be a US citizen (or eligible non-US citizen) as well as to be qualified and receiving a Federal Pell Grant award the same year as the Academic Competitiveness Grant.
How Much Student Financial Aid Can I Receive From the ACG?
The Academic Competitiveness Grant provides up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study, assuming that students adhere to the GPA requirement and the commitment to attending class half time.
How Do I Apply for the Academic Competitiveness Grant?
Just as with all federal grants and loans, you will need to apply for the Academic Competitiveness Grant by filling out the
FAFSA application form. Once you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), you will find out if you qualify for the ACG.
