Grants
Grants are a form of financial aid that do not need to be repaid. Grants are typically needs-based and funded through Federal, State and/or College sources. Some grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, therefore it is to your advantage to apply to IRSC and have a valid FAFSA on file with the IRSC Financial Aid Office as early as possible.
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant program is the largest of the federal student aid grant programs. This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who are admitted to and enrolled in a degree-seeking program. The application (FAFSA) for this grant is accepted throughout the academic year. Award amounts are determined through a mandated federal formula that takes into account the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment status of the student. Students can receive this grant up to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters (approximately 144 credits).
Students who attend full-time in the Fall and Spring will receive all of their Pell funds for the academic year. Summer funding is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG grants are awarded to undergraduate students based on demonstrated financial need. Only students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant can be considered for this funding source. These grant funds are extremely limited and are awarded until funds run out. Submitting your aid application early is recommended if you want to be considered for SEOG funds.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and High Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH grant program provides grants up to $4,000 per year to students ($16,000 total for four-year programs) 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. As a recipient of a TEACH grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH grant. If you do not fulfill this obligation, the grant turns into a loan.
In addition to having a valid FAFSA on file at IRSC, students need to contact the IRSC Financial Aid Office to complete an internal application to be considered for this grant. IRSC students who meet the TEACH criteria (internal application) and who are determined to be eligible by the Financial Aid Office will be contacted. Students receiving TEACH grants must complete an Agreement to Serve (ATS) and complete initial and subsequent counseling.
State Grants
There are several different types of state grants available through the financial aid process, including the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG), First Generation Matching Grant (FGMG) and Florida Student Assistance Grant for Certificate Programs (FSAGCE).
FSAG is a financial aid program funded by the State of Florida available to students who meet all eligibility criteria and demonstrate substantial financial need. Funds are available for students in degree and certificate-seeking programs. FSAG awards are subject to change if any corrections or changes are made to your file, including receipt of other aid that decreases or eliminates your eligibility. To qualify, you must complete a FAFSA and have the error-free results on file with IRSC by the end of the Fall Semester Drop period. All funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis; therefore applying by the deadline does not guarantee an award. All awards are estimated and must be verified by the State.
An FSAG award may be received for a maximum of nine semesters over a maximum period of six consecutive years from the time of first disbursement. In order to receive FSAG for the following year, you must meet renewal criteria defined by the State of Florida.
Prior summer credit hours (from previous academic year) may be used to determine eligibility. You must also meet IRSC Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
For Full-Time Awards
- Successfully complete 12 credit hours for each semester of full-time funding.
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA at the end of Spring semester.
For Part-Time Awards
- Credit hour requirements:
- Half-time (1/2) disbursements: You must successfully complete at least six (6) credit hours for each half-time disbursement.
- Three-quarter (3/4) time disbursements: You must successfully complete at least nine (9) credit hours for each three-quarter-time disbursement.
- Have a minimum 2.0 GPA at the end of Spring.
The First Generation Matching Grant program is a need-based Financial Aid program supported with both institutional and state funding. It is for students whose parents have not earned a Bachelor’s Degree or higher. This award may not be available every year.
A separate application or request for consideration is not required; however, students must indicate on their admissions application that they are first-generation college students. Students who have completed the FAFSA, indicated they are first generation, met the criteria and have the highest financial need will be selected. First priority is given to students who received the grant the previous year.
This is not a renewable award; however, students may be considered each year if they meet the criteria and if funding is available.
IRSC Financial Need Grant
The IRSC Financial Need Grant is a financial aid program funded by Indian River State College and is available to undergraduate students who meet all general eligibility requirements, and who demonstrate substantial financial need. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
