Financial Aid

Grants

Grants are "free money" that is not paid back. They are awarded based on need. An exception is the TEACH Grant, as noted below.

Grant programs listed with eligibility, amounts, and terms.

Program

Description

Eligibility

Amount

Terms

Federal Pell Grant

Federally awarded grant

Based on financial need; new eligibility determination beginning 2024-25; maximum lifetime limit of 6 full-time Pell awards

Up to $7,395

Part-time students will have grant adjusted based on credit hours

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Federal grant money awarded by UC

Must be Pell-eligible; early FAFSA application

Ranges from $900 to $1,200

At least half-time enrollment

TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant

Federal grant awarded by UC

Non-need-based; 3.2 GPA and  eligible education major; requires annual counseling and service agreement

Up to $4,000 annually for max of $16,000 undergrad and $8,000 grad

Part-time students will have grant adjusted based on credit hours; completion of specific service requirement to avoid grant becoming a loan

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

 

State awarded grant

Must be Ohio resident; based on financial need and Uptown (non-regional) campus program; October 1 deadline date; maximum receipt for 5 years

$3,200

 

Part-time students will have grant adjusted based on credit hours; restricted to tuition 

University Need Grant

UC-based funds

Based on financial need, other aid, and Uptown (non-regional) campus program; consideration through sophomore year only

Ranges from $300 to $3,200

At least half-time enrollment

Cincinnati Pride Grant

UC-based funds

Must be first-time college student (or direct transfer from Cincinnati State after attending direct from high school), Pell-eligible, and graduate of a Cincinnati Public School

Combines with other grants and scholarships to cover cost of tuition and a book allowance

Renewable for up to 4 years as long as student maintains Pell eligibility and continuous academic year full-time enrollment

Notes:

  • Must be admitted into a degree program to receive a grant.
  • Grants, except TEACH, are limited to students who do not have a bachelor's degree.
  • Eligibility criteria subject to change; maximum amounts are estimates and dependent upon sufficient funding.
  • Early FAFSA application means limited funding; awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is depleted.