grants
federal academic competitiveness grant
The Academic Competitiveness Grant represents a form of federal “gift” aid. If you have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are a first or second year student, K-State’s Office of Student Financial Assistance will verify your eligibility for this federal, need-based grant. The maximum Academic Competitiveness Grant award ranges from $750 (first-year students) to $1,300 (second-year students) per academic year.
First-Year Student Eligibility Requirements
- You must have completed a “rigorous” secondary (high school) program of study after January 1, 2006.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- You must be designated a first-year student (0-29 credits).
- You must be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
- You must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum of 6 credits per semester).
- You must be enrolled in a two or four year degree program.
Second-Year Student Eligibility Requirements
- You must have completed a “rigorous” secondary (high school) program of study after January 1, 2005.
- You must have a 3.0 g.p.a. at the time you completed your first year of study.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- You must be designated a second-year student (30-59 credits).
- You must be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
- You must be enrolled at least half-time (minimum of 6 credits per semester).
- You must be enrolled in a two or four year degree program.
How do I know if I completed a “rigorous” secondary (high school) program of study as defined by the U.S. Department of Education?
The U.S. Department of Education has identified at least two options for students from every state that will meet the “rigorous secondary program of study” eligibility requirement for the Academic Competitiveness Grant program. In addition, the Department of Education has also identified at least two options for students who completed their secondary program at either a Bureau of Indian Affairs or Department of Education Activity school.
K-State’s Office of Student Financial Assistance encourages you to familiarize yourself with the curriculum options that apply to your specific situation.
If you have any questions regarding the Academic Competitiveness Grant program, please contact us.