Federal Grants are funded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). To apply for Federal Grants, students must submit a Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) every year. Federal Grants are need-based awards. Not all students who file a FAFSA will be eligible for this aid type.
Content Breakdown
Federal Pell Grant
Gift aid for Undergraduate and Teaching Credential students with exceptional financial need. A few important reminders regarding this award:
- Pell Grants have a six year overall limit and are only for Undergraduate students (Credential students included) pursuing their first Bachelor's degree.
- Transfer students must cancel their Pell Grant from their previous institution because it can only be awarded and disbursed in one school. (Ex. A student cancelling their Spring Pell Grant award from the community college they transferred from so they may receive a Pell Grant disbursement at SF State for the Spring semester)
Pell amounts offered in the Student Center are based on two specific categories as listed right below.
| Amount of Units (Per semester) | Enrollment Status | Disbursement Percentage (Enrollment Intensity) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 or more | Full-time | 100% |
| 11 | Three quarter time | 92% |
| 10 | Three quarter time | 83% |
| 9 | Three quarter time | 75% |
| 8 | Half time | 67% |
| 7 | Half time | 58% |
| 6 | Half time | 50% |
| 5 | Less than half time | 42% |
| 4 | Less than half time | 33% |
| 3 | Less than half time | 25% |
| 2 | Less than half time | 17% |
| 1 | Less than half time | 8% |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity (SEOG)
Gift aid for Undergraduate (Freshman and Sophomore) students with exceptional financial need, usually to students assigned a -1500 SAI number. Amounts for this award ranges from $200 to $700 per academic year. A few important requirements are needed to be considered and receive this award.
Students must be enrolled in 12 units or more to receive the disbursement of this award. Any student enrolled in 11 units or less will not receive a disbursement even if they are awarded it.
For the 2024-2025 school year (Fall 2024 & Spring 2025), the State priority deadline was on May 2, 2024.
The State priority deadline for California is another main requirement to be considered for this award. Students who miss the deadline but have a -1500 SAI number may be considered for it if there is more funding later during the semester.