Grants are funds that do not need to be repaid. To see if you qualify for grants at Eastern, you must first complete the FAFSA. The results of the FAFSA will help determine the types and amounts of grants you might be eligible to receive. At Eastern, grants may be funded by the state or federal governments and from the University’s own resources. Students from outside Connecticut are advised to check on the availability and portability of state grants in their home state. With the exception of the Federal Pell Grant program that guarantees funding to any eligible student, grant programs listed below have limited funding and awards are based on, but not limited to, whether a student files the FAFSA by Eastern’s Financial Aid Priority Dates.
Federal Pell Grant was established by Congress as a basic access federal grant for full or part-time undergraduate students with very high financial need. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The amount awarded is based on full-time enrollment and will be pro-rated if a student drops below full-time status (Less than 12 Credits).
Federal SEOG is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who are also recipients of the Federal Pell Grant. These funds are allocated to universities for distribution by the federal government and are limited. Recipients must be U.S. citizens, be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress Award amounts vary based on the results of the FAFSA, credit load, cost-of-attendance, and availability of funds.
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Grant Program is provided based on the results of the FAFSA to Connecticut students. Funds are allocated to universities by the Connecticut Legislature and are limited.Recipients must be U.S. citizens, be pursuing their first bachelor’s degree and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Award amounts vary based on the results of the FAFSA, credit load, cost-of-attendance, and availability of funds.
CSUG is a limited, institutionally funded grant that may be offered to any undergraduate student who demonstrates financial need and is enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking student. Funds are offered to students based on the results of the FAFSA.
Eligibility varies, in addition to the FAFSA, based on credit load, cost-of-attendance, residency status, and availability of funds.
Connecticut Minority Teacher Incentive Grant is provided to full-time college juniors and seniors of African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American or Native American heritage who are enrolled in Eastern’s teacher preparation program. Funds are awarded by the State of Connecticut. This grant can total $5,000 for two years of study. Additionally, these students may receive a loan repayment stipend of $2,500 per year to a maximum of four years if they have outstanding undergraduate loans and teach in a Connecticut public elementary or secondary school within sixteen months of graduation.
Information specific to Eastern's TEACH Grant program!
TEACH Grant is awarded to upper level undergraduates and graduate students who are enrolled in Eastern’s teacher preparation programs and can provide up to $4,000 per year. The recipient must agree to teach, within eight years of graduation, in a high-need field (defined by the federal government) for at least four years in a low-income elementary or secondary school or the grant must be repaid as a Direct Loan.
For additional information on TEACH Grants from the federal government, visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach#more-info
Wondering whether you can get your student loans forgiven for your service as a teacher?
Information from Federal Student Aid Website
Information from the Department of Education regarding Loan Forgiveness Program Options
