Federal Student Aid Programs

Academic Competitiveness Grant

This grant program was created by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005.  The Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (ACG) awards grants to eligible financially needy students who complete a rigorous secondary school program of study.  An ACG is available during a student's first and second academic years of undergraduate education in an eligible undergraduate program.

Eligibility:  Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be enrolled full-time
  • Be Pell eligible
  • Have successfully completed rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education
  • Have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, if second year student

Value: $750 first-year awards for students graduating from high school after 1/1/2006; $1,300 second-year awards for students graduating from high school after 1/1/2005.

Application Procedure: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Pell Grant Program 

This program awards grants directly to students with payment made through Forsyth Tech.  Federal Pell Grants are the "foundation" of student aid to which aid from all other sources may be added.

Eligibility:  Student's eligibility is determined by using a formula established by Congress which takes into consideration family financial circumstances.  The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number that is used by the institution to determine the amount of the Federal Pell Grant.

Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be undergraduates enrolled as either part-time or full-time students in an approved postsecondary institution who have not already earned a bachelor's or professional degree
  • Be citizens or permanent residents of the United States 

Value:  Amounts vary and are awarded on the basis of need, enrollment status, length of enrollment, and cost of education at Forsyth Tech.  The maximum annual award for 2007-08 is $4,310; the minimum award is $400.

Application Procedure: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG)

Eligibility:  A student must be an undergraduate and have exceptional financial need to qualify for a FSEOG award.  The amount of financial need is determined by Forsyth Tech.  Recipients must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.  

Value:  The value of the award is determined by the need of the recipient and the available funds.

Application Procedure:  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

This program provides jobs to students who qualify for financial assistance and encourages them to participate in community service activities.

Eligibility:  Applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be enrolled at an approved postsecondary institution
  • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States 

Value:  Jobs usually range from 10 to 15 hours per week and pay at least federal minimum wage.  Employment may be on or off campus.

Application Procedure: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Work-Study Jobs:  With most positions, you will work on campus. If you work off campus, your employer will usually be a private nonprofit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest.

Please refer to the Forsyth Tech Federal Work-Study website for additional information. 

Federal Loans, FFELs and Direct Loans

Forsyth Tech does not participate in any of the following programs:
Stafford Loans, Plus Loans, or Parent Loans