Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant awarded to undergraduate students who have not previously earned a bachelor's degree. Eligibility is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA and their enrollment status at the end of add/drop each semester.  The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2025–26 award year (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026).  Students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell award each year, the equivalent of 3 full-time semester awards.

Pell Grant lifetime limit is set to 12 full-time semesters, or approximately 6 years.  The limit will apply to all Pell recipients regardless of when the student first began receiving Pell Grant funds.  This limit is tracked by the U.S. Department of Education. 

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need (i.e. they have a low EFC and are also Federal Pell Grant recipients).  Awards range from $200 - $1000 per academic year, depending upon college funding levels. Due to limited funding, not all students that meet eligibility and deadline requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed in subsequent years.

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants up to $4,000.00 per year to upper-level and graduate students who intend to teach in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Undergraduate students must major in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Education, Secondary Math Education, Secondary Biology Education or Secondary Social Science Education; graduate students must major in Special Education or Reading Education (FGCU Online Accelerate programs). Other majors may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students must have and maintain a cumulative 3.25 GPA to be eligible for the TEACH Grant. As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, students are required to teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which they received a TEACH Grant. Failure to complete this service obligation will result in the TEACH Grant being converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.  Students in the TIP program are not eligible for a TEACH grant.

The Florida Student Assistance Grant is awarded to undergraduate Florida residents with substantial financial need who enroll in a minimum of twelve credit hours per semester.  A FSAG award at FGCU can range from $200 - $2,000 per academic year.  A student must submit the FAFSA in a timely manner to be considered for this grant. Due to limited funding, not all students that meet eligibility and deadline requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed in subsequent years.  Additional eligibility and renewal criteria for this award can be found at Florida Student Assistance Grant.

The First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) provides need-based grants to undergraduate students who are enrolled in state universities and whose parents have not earned baccalaureate degrees. Due to limited funding, not all students that meet eligibility and deadline requirements will receive this grant. This grant is for one year only and is not guaranteed in subsequent years. The student should satisfy the following eligibility criteria for this grant:

• Submit the Application for FGCU Foundation Scholarships annually by March 1st. 
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to demonstrate financial need. 
• The student must also be eligible to receive the Florida Student Assistant Grant (FSAG).
• The student will meet Florida's residency requirements for receipt of state financial aid by maintaining Florida residency for purposes other than education for a minimum of 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of class of the academic term for which funds are available.
• Not owe a repayment under any State, Federal Grant or  Scholarship Program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Not be in default on any Federal Title IV or State Student Loan Program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made.
• Previously have not earned a baccalaureate degree.
• Be a first generation college student. (Note: A student is considered "first generation" if neither of the student's parents earned a college degree at the baccalaureate level or higher). A student would also be eligible if he/she regularly resided with and received support from only one parent who did not earn a baccalaureate degree.
• Enroll for a minimum of 6 credit hours per term as a degree-seeking undergraduate student.