National Science and Math Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
What is a National SMART Grant?
The National Science and
Math Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is a new grant program that began
in 2006 for third- and fourth-, and if applicable, fifth-year undergraduates
with financial need. The SMART award is in addition to the student's Pell
Grant award, and it does not have to be repaid.
To receive this grant,
students must major in certain technical fields or selected foreign languages,
and maintain a required minimum grade point average. Students must be U.S.
citizens or eligible non-citizens who attend school full-time in an eligible
program, and are also eligible to receive a Pell Grant.
How do I qualify?
Undergraduate
students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in participating schools may
apply for the National Science and Math Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant.
To
be eligible for each academic year, a student must:
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizens
- be a Federal Pell Grant recipient
- be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program
- be enrolled in a four-year degree-granting institution
- major in physical, life or computer sciences, engineering, mathematics,
technology, or a critical foreign language
- have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale
What can I major in to qualify for the SMART Grant?
Particular
majors in the following fields of study are eligible for the National SMART
Grant program:
- Computer science
- Engineering
- Foreign language - languages deemed vital to national security
- Life sciences
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources and conservation
- Physical sciences
- Psychology
- Technology
- Multidisciplinary studies - several scientific majors
For a detailed list of eligible programs and their codes, see http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/attachments/CompleteListEligibleMajors0708SMART.pdf
How
much money can I get?
A National SMART Grant will provide up to $4,000
for each of the third, fourth and if applicable, fifth years of undergraduate
study. The average new SMART Grant for the 2007-2008 award year was $3,780.
Note
that the amount of the SMART Grant, 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 SMART money?
Your
school may credit the SMART Grant 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 National SMART Grant and the
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)?
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, fourth or if applicable, fifth 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 español).