Grants

Grants are often called “gift aid” because they are free money—a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Grants are often need-based, which signifies they are based on your family’s finances. “Need” is often derived from the information you submit on your FAFSA each year.

Because grants do not need to be repaid, we will automatically accept federal and/or state-funded grants on your behalf. By completing your FAFSA, you will automatically be considered for the grants listed below. We encourage all students to apply for other grants for which you think you may be eligible. Do your research and be sure to meet application deadlines!

Occasionally, you may have to pay back part or all of a federal or student grant if, for example, you withdraw from school before finishing an enrollment period such as a semester. If you are thinking of dropping a class or withdrawing from Saint Joseph's, contact Student Financial Services to discuss your options.

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. The amount of any other student aid for which you might qualify does not affect the amount of your Federal Pell Grant.

Eligibility

• Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023–24 award year (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024). The amount a student receives depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status per semester.
• A student can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent. Students will receive a notice if you’re getting close to your limit.
• Generally, a student is only eligible to receive the grant while pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
• You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are incarcerated.
• You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) are awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students receiving Federal Pell Grants.

• The FSEOG does not need to be repaid.
• A student is only eligible to receive the grant while pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
• FSEOG is awarded to students with exceptional financial need.
• Saint Joseph's University receives a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid. Once the full amount of the school’s FSEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year. In other words, FSEOG funds are first come, first served. This system works differently from the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides funds to every eligible student.

If your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, you may be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funds if, at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death, you were less than 24 years of age or enrolled in college or career school at least part-time. If you meet these requirements and are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be changed to zero, which maximizes your Federal Pell Grant amount and can increase your eligibility for all federal student aid programs. Payments are adjusted if you are enrolled less than full-time. If you meet those requirements but aren’t eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant due to your EFC being too high, you might be able to get an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.