Grants

Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Generally, grants are for undergraduate students, and the grant amount is based on need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Students must meet eligibility requirements to qualify, and this type of aid can come from multiple sources, including federal and state government.

Students must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to continue receiving all forms of state and federal financial aid.

For more information about grants or other financial aid, contact us. 

• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• Pell Grant
• Indiana Space Grant Programs
• Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG)
• Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
  
• Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Ohio National Guard

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is available for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.

How much can a student receive?
An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.

Note that the amount of the ACG, when combined with a Pell Grant, may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. In addition, if the number of eligible students is large enough that payment of the full grant amounts would exceed the program appropriation in any fiscal year, then the amount of the grant to each eligible student may be ratably reduced.

How is a student eligible for an ACG?
To be eligible for an ACG, a student:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be a Federal Pell Grant recipient
• Must be enrolled full-time in a degree program
• Must be enrolled in the first or second academic year of his or her program of study at a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution
• Must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study after January 1, 2006, if a first-year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student
• Must not have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program if a first-year student
• Must have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year if a second-year student

Pell Grant

A Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.

How do I qualify?
To determine whether you’re eligible, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information you report when you apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) contains this number in the upper right portion of the first page. This number will determine if you’re eligible for a Pell Grant and for how much.

How much money can I get?
The maximum Pell Grant for the 2009-2010 award year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) is $5,350. How much you get will depend on the results of your FAFSA, whether you’re a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. Students who enroll full-time are eligible for the full amount of the award, while students who enroll less than full time receive a pro-rated portion of the award.

When will I know the amount of my Federal Pell Grant?
Once your financial aid has been packaged, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to access your award through MyCState. Changes to your award will also be posted on MyCState. Your award will show the amount of your Pell Grant at full-time enrolment status; enrollment at less than full-time will result in a pro-ration of that amount.

How will I be paid?
The College will credit the Pell Grant funds to your school account once per term up to the five term maximum, depending on eligibility.

Can I receive a Federal Pell Grant if I’m enrolled less than half time?
Possibly; it is based on your EFC. You won’t receive as much as if you were enrolled full time. The U.S. Department of Education determines the amount of the award for less than full time (12 credit hour) enrollment, and funds are pro-rated based on attendance.

Indiana State Grant Programs (Contract for Space Grant and Frank O'Bannon Indiana State Grant)

Beginning in the Early Fall 2009 term, students residing in certain Indiana counties will be charged in-state tuition rates at Cincinnati State. Therefore, the Indiana Contract for Space Grant and the Frank O'Bannon Indiana State Grant may not be available for the2009-2010 award year.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) - formerly OIG

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) provides need-based tuition assistance to undergraduate students from low and moderate income families. The program is intended to expand access to higher education by bringing the cost of college within reach of more Ohio families. Awards are based on family income with consideration given to the number of dependents in the family. Benefits are restricted to the student's instructional and general fee charges.

Who is eligible for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)?
Recipients must be Ohio residents and have demonstrated financial need. This grant is pro-rated based on attendance.

How do I apply?
Students apply for OCOG benefits by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Is there a deadline?
The application deadline is October 1 of each year.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program is a federally-funded grant program awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Determination is based on need and priority deadline. The priority deadline to have your file complete is February 15 of each year. SEOG awards may be adjusted for less than full-time enrollment.

Ohio National Guard

The Ohio National Guard (ONG) has a program for students who have served as a member of the National Guard for the state of Ohio. This grant pays 100% of the instructional and general fees (tuition, technology, and registration fee) for eligible participants.

To be eligible, students must:

• Ensure his/her name appears on the paper roster sent from the Adjutant General’s Office
• Produce a letter from the Adjutant General’s Office with Cincinnati State listed as the school stating their eligibility

Eligible students may receive funds if:

• He/she is registered for a minimum of six credit hours per term
• He/she is enrolled in an associate's degree program. This program will not pay for a certificate or diploma program (except nursing school)