Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant

A need-based grant program available to students seeking their first undergraduate degree. Eligibility is determined by the student's financial need and cost of attendance. For full-time students, the maximum annual Pell Grant for 2023-2024 is $7,395. Less than full-time students may receive Pell Grants, but awards will be pro-rated based on the enrollment status on the last day to add/drop a course without record.  Pell Grant funds are disbursed to the student account at the beginning of each semester.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A need-based grant program available first to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and who have the most financial need. Federal allocations are limited, so priority is given to students who meet the January 1 FAFSA priority date.  Amounts range from $400 to $800 per year. FSEOG funds are disbursed to the student account at the beginning of each semester.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program

A non-need based grant program that provides up to $4,000 per year to students who are planning a career in teaching and agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a higher-need field for four years at a school that serves low-income students. The required four years of teaching must be completed within eight years after graduation.

Note: If you do not meet the requirements of your service obligation, all TEACH Grants you received will be converted to Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You must repay these loans in full, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement. TEACH Grant funds are disbursed to the student account at the beginning of each semester.

TEACH Grant Eligibility
To be eligible for a TEACH Grant at USF, you must do the following:

• Meet the basic eligibility criteria for the federal student aid programs.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
• Be enrolled in a TEACH Grant eligible program, which prepares the student to teach in a high-need field.
• Score above the 75th percentile on one or more portions of a college admissions test or maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
• Complete TEACH Grant counseling* that explains the terms and conditions of the TEACH Grant service obligation.
• Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay* in which the student agrees to serve as a full-time teacher for four elementary or secondary school years at a school or educational service agency that serves low-income students. A listing of schools designated as low-income schools can be found in the Department of Education's Low-Income School Directory.
• Submit the USF Intended Teaching Plan* form.
• Upon graduation or withdrawal from a TEACH Grant Eligible Program, you must complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling.

*Required each year to apply for TEACH Grant funds.
Questions? Email finaid@usiouxfalls.edu or call 605-331-6623