Grants

Grants - Funds that do not need to be repaid. The only application needed for these programs is the (FAFSA) Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants (freshmen)

Academic Competitiveness Grant - up to $750 award for freshmen. To qualify for the grant, one must meet all of the following criteria:

An estimated award will be assumed for freshmen who are Pell Grant recipients. Do not count on this award until a final high school transcript is reviewed (normally during the fall term). If you know that you do not qualify for the assumed award based on the above listed criteria, please let us know by contacting us Financial-Aid@wiu.edu.

Academic Competitiveness Grants (Sophomores)

These are awards up to $1300 for students with 30 - 59 hours of college credit who meet the following criteria:

National SMART Grant (Juniors and Seniors)

National SMART Grant program with awards up to $4,000 annually for junior and senior students who meet the following criteria:

*The only application needed for these programs is the (FAFSA) Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Teach Grant Program

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year for WIU students committed to teaching full-time in high-need subject areas* for at least four years at schools serving students from low-income families as defined by the federal government.

TEACH Grant recipients who do not complete the teaching requirement within a specified time or fail to meet other program requirements must repay the grant as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

*The following WIU majors qualify as 'High Need Fields' for Federal Teach Grant:

Undergraduate

Graduate

Additional requirements include:

If you believe TEACH is right for you complete the TEACH Grant Initial Counseling and Agreement To Serve to apply. If you are eligible you will receive official notification from the Financial Aid Office by WIU e-mail.

Please visit the Teach Grant website for more information regarding eligibility or contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions.