FSEOG

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need.

In order to receive an FSEOG the student must first be Pell Grant eligible.

The lowest expected family contributions will be first considered for an FSEOG.

Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid.

You can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year based on timely FAFSA filing, total financial need and availability of FSEOG funding at your school of attendance

The school’s financial aid office is given great leeway for the awarding of FSEOG based on the financial need of the student body.

Your schools financial aid office will notify you about your FSEOG eligibility via the award letter; This notification will specifically list your total FSEOG amount along with the method of distribution.

Schools must disburse funds at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter); Schools that do not use semesters, trimesters, or quarters must disburse funds at least twice per academic year.

 Financial aid offices are given some flexibility in the awarding of this funding.  As a new incoming freshman, don’t be surprised if you get several award letters with different FSEOG amounts. If you notice that your first choice school is awarding you with a lower FSEOG than some other schools you have applied for, then you should try to get it increased. Make a photocopy of the award letters listing a higher FSEOG and attach a brief letter. Through your letter let the first choice school know that you are motivated to attend there, but that you want to be reconsidered for at least as much FSEOG as other competing schools. You have nothing to lose, just send the letter to your choice school as quickly as possible.

If you are a continuing student and you notice that your FSEOG has reduced from prior years, try writing an appeal letter to your financial aid office.  Federal need based funding can change year to year based on your FAFSA information, however a school is able to amend an FSEOG award to some extent.  It is worth a try.

Sending in appeals for FSEOG is the nitty-gritty business of the financial aid office.  Some schools will basically ignore your request; others will award you with a substantial amount.   It’s all based on the school’s policy and procedures and the amount of extra FSEOG funding available.  There are four things you can do to try and get the increase.  First you need to know and trust an administrator that will seriously consider your request.  Second, if possible email the request to cut down on paper.  Financial Aid admins are already swamped with paper, they don’t need more.  Third, follow up to make sure the appeal was received about 5 days after you send it.  And finally, the earlier the better, so send it in as soon as you can.