Grants

Federal Pell Grant Changes

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes changes to Federal Pell Grant eligibility beginning with the 2026-27 award year. These changes affect some students who receive significant scholarship funding or who have a higher Student Aid Index (SAI).

Eligibility and Application Process

• Complete the FAFSA and demonstrate exceptional financial need
• Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student

Beginning with the 2026-27 award year, students whose Cost of Attendance (COA) is fully covered by non-federal scholarships and grants will not be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Example

In 2026-27, Swoop RedHawk receives:

• A university scholarship that covers his full Cost of Attendance
• A Federal Pell Grant based on FAFSA eligibility

Because Swoop’s non-federal scholarship already covers their full Cost of Attendance, he will no longer receive the Federal Pell Grant.

Grant Amount

Award amounts change yearly and are based on:

• Your Student Aid Index (as determined by your FAFSA)
• The estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) (determined by your school for your specific program)
• Your status as a full- or part-time student
• Your plans to attend a full academic year or less

Beginning with the 2026-27 award year, students whose Student Aid Index (SAI) exceeds twice the maximum Federal Pell Grant award for the award year will not qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.

Because the maximum Pell Grant amount is established annually by the federal government, the SAI threshold may change each year.

Example

If the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the award year is $7,395:

• Twice the maximum Pell Grant is $14,790

As such, students with an SAI greater than $14,790 would not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

Renewal Requirements

• This grant does not renew automatically
• You must submit the FAFSA each year
  • Continued eligibility is based on the information you provide

Eligibility and Application Process

• Complete the FAFSA and demonstrate exceptional financial need
• Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student
• Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients

Grant Amount

Award amounts typically range from $100 to $1,000. 

Renewal Requirements

• This grant does not renew automatically
• You must submit the FAFSA each year
  • Continued eligibility is based on the information you provide and available funding

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH) provides funding to students who agree to complete a specified teaching service in designated high-need subject areas at low-income elementary or secondary schools.

The Federal TEACH Grant carries strict requirements. If you fail to meet the requirements of your service obligation, all TEACH Grants you have received will be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. You will be required to repay the full loan amount, with interest accruing from the date each TEACH Grant was disbursed. For more information, visit StudentAid.gov’s TEACH Grant Program page.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Complete the FAFSA
• Enroll as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate student in a major connected to a high-need field (view list at StudentAid.gov)
• Scored above the 75th percentile on a college admission test (ACT/SAT/GRE) or maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25
• Complete the required TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling and TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (in accordance with federally determined guidelines)

Grant Amount

The amount is subject to change based on federal sequestration. The annual statutory amount is as follows:

Teach GRANT Amounts

Enrollment	Amount
Full-time student (12+ credit hours)	$4,000
Three-quarter-time student (9-11 credit hours)	$3,000
Less-than-half-time student (5 or fewer credit hours)	$2,000
Less-than-half-time student (5 or fewer credit hours)	$1,000

Renewal Requirements

This grant does not renew automatically. You must:

• Submit the FAFSA each year
• Complete TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling each year
• Submit the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay each year 
• Remain in a TEACH eligible major (listed at bottom)
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25+ if you did not score in the 75th percentile or higher on the ACT/SAT/GRE
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Teach Grant Service Obligation

In exchange for receiving a Teach Grant, you must:

• Serve as a full-time teacher for four years at an elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students listed in the Department of Education’s Teacher Cancellation Low-Income Directory
• Teach in a high-need field
• Meet all state certification requirements for teaching
• Teach full-time for four years within eight years of graduation

For complete details and requirements, visit Studentaid.gov’s TEACH Grant Service Obligation page.

If at any time you determine you won’t fulfill your service obligation, you may contact the U.S. Department of Education and request the grant be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. It is best to convert your grants into loans and repay them as soon as possible to avoid accruing excessive interest. Interest will accrue from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement.

Teach Service Reporting

After completing each year of your required teaching service, you must submit a certification documenting your employment and eligibility. For detailed instructions on how to submit your certification, required documentation, and submission options, visit Studentaid.gov’s How to Document Your Qualifying Teaching Service page.

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is offered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

Eligibility and Application Process

• Be admitted to Miami’s Oxford campus
  • Eligibility for the Regional campuses can vary from year to year
• Complete the FAFSA by the state required deadline and demonstrate exceptional financial need
• Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student
  • Students enrolled in a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program will only have hours applied to their undergraduate degree counted toward enrollment for OCOG
• Have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $3,750 or less and a total household income no greater than $96,000
• Be an Ohio resident
• Selective service registration is required for male students who are 18 and older

Grant Amount

• Award amounts are determined by the state and may vary each year
• The grant can only be applied toward instructional and general fees
• The award amount is based on enrollment level and may be prorated
• The award amount may be impacted when tuition-specific aid is combined with a Pell Grant

Renewal Requirements

• This grant does not renew automatically
• You must submit the FAFSA each year
  • Continued eligibility is based on the information you provide
• You are limited to 10 semesters of eligibility

The Ohio War Orphan and Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship Program (WOS) provides tuition assistance to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict.

Though called a scholarship, funds from this program are treated more like a grant or a waiver. As such, the award amount may be impacted by other grants and waivers you receive.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Apply through the Ohio War Orphans Program and complete the Student Acknowledgement Statement by May 15
• Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student
  • Students in a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program must be enrolled full-time in undergraduate hours
• Be an Ohio resident
• Be between the ages of 16 and 24
• Selective service registration is required for male students who are 18 and older

The ODHE will email or mail award notifications to students in early August. 

Grant Amount

• The award covers a percentage of instructional and general fees, which may vary yearly
  • The percentage this award covers is typically determined by August of each year
• If you withdraw from one or more classes, your award may be prorated or canceled
• If you have other tuition-specific aid, you may not be eligible for this program

Renewal Requirements

• You must maintain full-time enrollment and a 2.0 cumulative GPA
• You are limited to 10 semesters of eligibility

The Ohio Work Ready Grant (OWGR) offers funding to Ohio residents enrolled in a program of instruction that prepares them for an in-demand career at a state university regional campus.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Complete the FAFSA and be Pell eligible*
• Enroll as a first-time, degree-seeking undergraduate student on a regional campus
• Enroll in a qualified instructional program 
• Be an Ohio resident

* Qualified technician-aligned programs leading to careers in advanced manufacturing and/or engineering technology are given priority for OWRG funding. Students in qualified technician-aligned programs need to have completed a FAFSA but do not need to demonstrate financial aid (i.e. they do not need to be Pell eligible).

Grant Amount

Technician-Aligned Programs of Study

For students enrolled in technician-aligned educational program of study leading to a career in advanced manufacturing or engineering technology, the maximum yearly award amount is:

• Up to $6,000 per academic year for full-time degree-seeking students
• $4,500 per academic year for three-quarters time degree-seeking students
• $3,000 per academic year for half-time degree-seeking students
• $1,500 per academic year for quarter-time degree-seeking students
• Up to $3,000 per program for students enrolled in a short-term certificate or industry recognized credential program
  • A student who completes multiple short-term certificates and/or industry recognized credential programs in an academic year is eligible to receive up to $4,000 total for the year, regardless of the number of programs completed in the academic year

OWRG funding may not exceed $3,000/academic term for up to six academic terms. It is applicable to the institution’s Cost of Attendance and is refundable to the student.

Other Qualified Programs of Study

For students enrolled in all other qualified programs of study, the maximum yearly award amount is:

• Up to $3,000 per academic year for full-time degree-seeking students
• $2,250 per academic year for three-quarters time degree-seeking students
• $1,500 per academic year for half-time degree-seeking students
• $750 per academic year for quarter-time degree-seeking students
• Up to $1,500 per program for students enrolled in a short-term certificate or industry recognized credential program 
  • A student who completes multiple short-term certificates and/or industry recognized credential programs in an academic year is eligible to receive up to $2,000 total for the year, regardless of the number of programs completed in the academic year

OWRG funding may not exceed $1,500/academic term for up to six academic terms. It is applicable to the institution’s Cost of Attendance and is refundable to the student.

The Second Chance Grant Program is offered by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

Eligibility and Application Process

• Previously attended a postsecondary institution but left before completing a bachelor’s degree
• Re-enroll as a degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduate student 
• Be an Ohio resident

Grant Amount

• Eligible students receive a one-time grant of $3,000
• Grants are awarded on a rolling first-come, first-served basis

Eligibility and Application Process

• Complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need
• Participate in a study abroad program during either the fall or the spring semester
• Submit the Airfare Grant Application 
• Complete the Consortium/Contract Agreement (not required for faculty-led or MUDEC programs)

Grant Amount

• Eligible students will receive a one-time grant of $600 to help cover airfare
  • Students can only receive this grant once while enrolled at Miami
• Students may also request an additional interest-free loan of $600