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Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are available to students working on their first undergraduate degree. Teaching credential candidates who maintain half-time enrollment status (at least six units) at the fifth-year undergraduate level may also be eligible. Annual Pell Grant awards are affected by several factors, including an applicant's expected family contribution, enrollment period and enrollment units. Students cannot receive a Pell Grant for two schools during the same term.

Effective fall 2012, federal regulations will limit the number of years that a student may receive a Federal Pell Grant. Students may only receive a Federal Pell Grant for 12 semesters. This includes every year that a student received Federal Pell Grant funding, regardless of the institution attended. For more information, visit Student Aid on the Web.

In mid-April, the Department of Education will begin emailing all 2012-2013 FAFSA applicants who appear to be Pell Grant eligible and who may be approaching the 12-semester limit.

Special note to credential students:

To receive a Pell Grant, you must be pursuing your first credential and remain enrolled in at least six units of coursework required for your credential completion. If you do not meet this requirement, your Pell Grant will be canceled, and you may be billed for the funds you received. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will review your class enrollment prior to the release of funds. This review may delay disbursement of funds.

Required application: FAFSA

Find out more about the federal Pell Grant by visiting the FATV page.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree who demonstrate exceptional financial need, apply by the March 2 priority filing date and are taking at least six units. Awards are given on a first come, first served basis. Even if you miss the priority deadline, it is worth applying because awards are given until funds are exhausted.

Required application: FAFSA by March 2

Find out more about the FSEOG by visiting the FATV page.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year for Northridge students working on their teaching credential. Student must intend to teach high-need subject areas full time for at least four years at schools that serve low-income students. The teaching obligation must be met within eight years of completing the course of study associated with the TEACH Grant.

To qualify for a TEACH Grant, an applicant must also meet certain academic standards, such as a 3.25 cumulative GPA or a score above the 75th percentile on at least one post-baccalaureate school admissions test. Credential students may receive up to $16,000 from this grant. Part-time students are eligible, but the maximum grant will be reduced.

Please note: If you receive a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required teaching service, you will be required to repay the grant as a federal unsubsidized Stafford loan, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

For each year you receive a TEACH Grant, you must complete initial and subsequent counseling, electronically sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve, and complete the TEACH Grant Requirement Confirmation Form. For more information, visit Student Aid on the Web.