Federal Grants: Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACQ) and National Smart Grant
These two U.S. Federal grants strive to increase the number of low-income students that pursue a major in the challenging fields of math, technology, science, engineering and critical foreign languages. They are entirely funded by the federal government. Since these grants are relatively new, there may be changes as the government fine tunes the grants to achieve its goals.
Who is Eligible?
Students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in math, science, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language and who qualify to receive a Pell Grant may be eligible for an ACG. They must attend school at least half-time.
The ACG is available to first and second year undergraduate students who have participated in a "rigorous" secondary school programs such as Honors or AP classes. These programs are defined at the state level and are reviewed and updated each year. Second year students must have maintained a 3.0 GPA during their first year to qualify for second year funding.
The SMART Grant is available to third and fourth year undergraduate students who have maintained a 3.0 GPA in coursework required for their major.
How much money can a student get?
The ACG has been providing up to $750 for the first year and up to $1300 for the second year. The SMART grant has been providing $4000 each year. Students have typically received the full amount as these grants were over-funded from inception. However these numbers can change from year to year.
How does a student apply?
Students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The results of this application will be used by the schools to automatically assess the student’s eligibility for the ACG and the SMART grant. All schools that the student listed on their FAFSA will receive the results of the FAFSA. The student will receive a financial aid award letter from the schools they applied to which will include the ACG and SMART grant aid, if offered.
ACG and SMART Grant Tips
Apply every year – Students must submit the FAFSA every year since grants are only awarded one year at a time.Resources
Federal Grant Program Fact Sheet – Provides an overview of all Federal Grants including the ACG and National SMART Grant.
ACG Recognized State Rigorous Secondary School Programs of Study – Provides a list of requirements by state to meet the "rigorous" secondary education requirement for the ACG.
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