The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), also known as the SEOG is a need based grants program available to low-income undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need.

Introduction to the FSEOG Program

The U.S. Department of Education and approximately 4,000 education institutions, including technical schools, colleges and universities jointly fund the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant. For every 3 dollars contributed by the government, education institutions contribute 1 dollar. The amount of funding varies from year to year, depending on the Department of Education’s budget and the number of participating education institutions.

How the FSEOG Works

Unlike the Federal Pell Grant, the FSEOG funding is limited. Once the annual budget has been allocated to students, it is not replenished for that year. Each participating education institution receives a share of the FSEOG funding based on its students need as determined by the Department of Education. However, school and college financial aid offices decide how much grant money each applicant will receive.

Students applying for the FSEOG are prioritized according to their financial need. Those who receive the Pell Grant and demonstrate “exceptional need” have the highest priority. In each academic year of undergraduate study, eligible students may receive up to a maximum award of $4,000 in addition to the Pell grant, though amounts vary and commonly range from $200 to $600.

Factors that Determine Eligibility for the FSEOG

To be eligible to receive the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, applicants must be undergraduate students and citizens of the United States (or qualified non-citizens) who have a high school diploma or GED. Applicants are also required to be enrolled in an accredited degree or certificate program with a minimum of part-time attendance.

In addition to the above, the following factors are used to determine students FSEOG eligibility:

  • Expected Family Contributions (EFC), students with a lowest EFC score are more likely to receive funding
  • Current Pell Grant award
  • Supporting scholarships and grants
  • The cost of student’s tuition
  • Current Pell Grant award
  • The policies of the education institution

To maintain eligibility students who receive the FSEOG must meet basic academic requirements as set out in the Higher Education Act. In general, students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete their course of study within 1.5 times the standard time scale (e.g. three years for a two-year degree).

FSEOG Application Procedure

Applying for the FSEOG is relatively straightforward. However, because it is campus-based funding, funds are limited and applying early will ensure eligible students are more likely to receive funding. As with all federal financial aid programs, to apply for the FSEOG students must file a FAFSA.