Grants and scholarships are available from both the federal and state governments to help qualified students realize their dream of a college education. Federal grants include the Federal Pell Grant and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) which are based on the student's financial need as determined by the FAFSA results. In addition states may have scholarship programs you may apply for. Scholarships and Grants are funds that do not have to be paid back. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA by Feb. 15 to establish their eligibility for need based aid, as well as contact their state Department of Education to inquire about state grants and scholarships. The Federal School Code for Union University is: 003528
Any questions you have regarding federal or state grants or scholarships may be directed to Heather Higdon, Grant Coordinator, at (731) 661-6574, or hhigdon@uu.edu. For more detailed information on Tennessee student assistance, please visit http://www.tn.gov/CollegePays
To apply for any of the following, all students must file the FAFSA. Follow the appropriate steps in How to Apply for Scholarships and Financial Assistance.
The Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant that is awarded based on a student's calculated EFC on the FAFSA. This award is given to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The maximum amount a student can receive is $5,550. Grants do not have to be repaid.
Students who are eligible for Pell Grant may also be eligible to receive the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), which has limited funding. SEOG is awarded to Pell Grant recipients who demonstrate the greatest need. Because Union’s SEOG funding is limited, students who have completed the FAFSA by Feb. 15th with an EFC of 0 will be given priority.
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, created by Congress through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. If a student fails to complete the teaching requirement, the grant will convert into an Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan. Recipients of the TEACH Grant MUST complete the TEACH Grant Application (.pdf). The TEACH Grant Counseling and ATS must be completed each year that the student receives the TEACH Grant award. Go to www.teach-ats.ed.gov to complete the TEACH Counseling and Agreement to Serve. For More Detailed Information
Tennessee residents who qualify for Federal Pell Grant may be eligible for the Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA). Students with a calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 2100 or less could receive up to $4000. Available funding is limited, so students are awarded on a first come, first served basis. To be considered for the maximum award, a student should file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st.
Tennessee residents who qualify based on the academic criteria established by the state of Tennessee may be eligible for the Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program. Students wishing to be considered for any TELS funds must complete the FAFSA by the published state deadline of September 1.
Contact your state's Department of Education to inquire about other awards your state offers. Tennessee students may contact the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation online or call 1-800-342-1663.
