Academic Competitiveness Grant And What You Need To Know

Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by Lori Pace

The Academic Competitiveness Grant provides up to $750 in the first year of undergraduate studies and up to $1300 in the second year for full-time U.S. students.

On the other hand, Federal Pell Grant eligible people who have successfully completed a rigorous high-school program as determined by their state or local education agency, and approved by the Secretary of Education. 

Students in their second year must have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. In addition to the Pell Grants award, the Academic Competitiveness Grants are available.

Students who answer yes to the following questions may be eligible for an Academic Competitiveness Grants.

  • Are you a U.S. citizen?
  • Are you eligible to receive a Pell Grant?
  • Will you be enrolled as a full-time first or second year student in a two-year or four-year degree program?

What To Do If You Are Not Qualified For Academic Competitiveness Grant

You will not be eligible for Academic Competitiveness Grants if you don’t answer yes to any of the questions. You may still be eligible for federal student financial aid. If you have not completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), please go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and apply today.

Next Step For Academic Competitiveness Grant

Academic Competitiveness Grant

If you answered yes to all the questions above, you will be granted the grant. Please select one of the choices below.

Students Who Have Already Completed A FAFSA Application

  1. Go back to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, and look under STEP 3
  2. Select the option “Make Corrections on a Processed FAFSA Application.” This will allow them to determine if your secondary coursework meets the requirements for Academic Competitiveness Grant.

If You Have Not Completed A FAFSA Application

  1. Go back to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, and look under STEP 2
  2. Select the option “Fill a FAFSA.” This will let you know if your secondary courses are up to the standard required for Academic Competitiveness Grant.
Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!