The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by FAFSA. Typically, these are students with an Estimated Family Contribution, EFC, of zero. These funds are limited so priority is given to students who apply early in the academic school year. You must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours (1000-level or above and/or approved remedial courses). The actual amount received is based on full-time enrollment of 12 hours or more or part-time enrollment of 6 to 11 credit hours.
To apply for a SEOG Grant a student must first meet the following general eligibility requirements:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have received a high school diploma, GED or pass the Ability to Benefit Test
Students should start the application process (PDF) by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Unlike the Federal Pell Grant, STS awards are based on available funds. Students are strongly encouraged to file their FAFSA as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.
If you filed the FAFSA online the Office of Student Financial Aid should receive your results within 7 to 10 days. Our office will then contact you. If you mailed in the FAFSA, it may take three weeks for the Office of Student Financial Aid to receive your results.
After our office receives your results electronically, an e-mail will be sent to your COD e-mail address to request additional information based on your results, which may include, but is not limited to: College of DuPage Data Confirmation Sheet and copies of tax and W-2 Information. Our office will send out three requests for additional information, after which you will no longer receive notices for missing information. It is your responsibility to check your COD e-mail account regularly!
Your financial aid specialist may take 6 to 8 weeks to process your file after all required documents are submitted. Processing time may vary depending on volume of application and/or corrections. It is strongly suggested that students apply at least 10 weeks before the start of the semester.
Notification of your award:
You will receive notification that your financial aid award has been determined via your COD e-mail address. Your complete Financial Aid Award Letter will be accessible in your myACCESS. Your SEOG Grant award will be based on full-time enrollment. If you are not a full-time student then your SEOG grant will be prorated according to the number of registered hours. Please refer to Understanding Your Financial Aid brochure for important information on withdrawing from classes and deadline dates for enrollment. Students who have excessive drops or do not complete 67% of their classes will risk losing their financial aid.
As always, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid prior to dropping classes.