Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
What is an Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)?
The Academic
Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a new grant program that began in 2006 for
first- and second-year undergraduates with financial need. The ACG award is
in addition to the student's Pell Grant award, and it does not have to be
repaid.
How do I qualify?
Undergraduate students enrolled or
accepted for enrollment in participating schools may apply for the Academic
Competitiveness Grant (ACG).
To be eligible for each academic year,
a student must:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- be a Federal Pell Grant recipient
- be enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program
- be enrolled in the first or second academic year of their program of study
at a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution
- have completed a rigorous high school curriculum
- if a first-year student, not have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate
program
- if a second-year student, have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point
average on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year
A set of courses similar to the State Scholars Initiative.
This program of study requires passing grades in the following:
- Four years of English;
- Three years of math (including Algebra I and a higher level course such
as Algebra II, geometry, or data analysis and statistics);
- Three years of science, including one year each of at least two of the
following courses: biology, chemistry and physics;
- Three years of social studies; and
- One year of a language other than English.
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses
and test scores. This program requires a minimum of two AP or IB courses
in high school and a minimum passing score on the exams for those classes.
Students must score at least 3 on AP exams and 4 on IB exams.
The Secretary
recognizes at least one rigorous secondary school program of study for each
state annually. For specific courses required by each state for a graduation
year, see http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/about/ac-smart/state-programs.html
How
much money can I get?
An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide
up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study, and up to $1,300 for
the second year of undergraduate study.
Note that the amount of the
ACG, when combined with a Pell Grant, may not exceed the student's cost of
attendance. The grant amount may also be reduced if the number of grants awarded
to eligible students exceeds the program's budget for the year.
If
I am eligible, how will I get the ACG money?
Your school may credit
the ACG funds to your school account, pay you directly (usually by check)
or combine these methods. Schools may also credit your bank account with
your permission.
Schools must pay you at least once per term (semester,
trimester or quarter). Schools that do not use formally defined, traditional
academic terms must pay you at least twice per academic year.
What
is the difference between the ACG and the National SMART Grant?
Both
grants are for undergraduate students in an eligible program who qualify for
Pell grants. The ACG is for students enrolled in their first or second academic
year in any field. The National SMART Grant is for third or fourth year students
pursuing a particular eligible major.
Both grants require students to
maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The ACG applicant
must have also completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. This
is not a requirement for the SMART grant.
How can I get more information?
For
more information on Student Financial Assistance Programs, contact the Federal
Student Aid Information Center:
Internet: http://studentaid.ed.gov
Phone: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
Spanish speakers are available (se habla espanol).