The Federal Pell Grant is available to eligible undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree who demonstrate financial need. Students are automatically considered for the grant upon completing the FAFSA, with the maximum award amount determined by Federal Student Aid.

For those enrolled full-time, the Pell Grant is evenly distributed across each quarter including summer. Part-time enrollment or attendance for only part of the academic year results in a prorated grant amount. The grant amount varies based on the number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled. Additionally, eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is limited to a maximum of six academic years.

The MAP Grant is awarded to undergraduate Illinois residents attending an Illinois college or university. It is based on financial need and funded by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), an agency of the State of Illinois. 

Students are automatically considered for the grant if the FAFSA is submitted before the annual cut-off date. It is recommended that students submit their FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1st each year to be considered for the MAP Grant. Submitting the FAFSA after the cut-off date, which ISAC announces each year, may result in ineligibility for MAP funding, even if the student qualifies.

MAP regulations require students to enroll in 15 credit hours per quarter to receive the full award. The award is distributed evenly across the three quarters of the academic year and is not available for the summer term. Part-time enrollment or attendance for only part of the academic year results in a prorated award, as determined by ISAC rules. MAP awards are limited to a maximum of 135 credit hours, after which students are no longer eligible. The grant is restricted to covering tuition and mandatory fees.

Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

The RISE Act provides eligible students who are ineligible for federal financial aid with access to state financial aid programs. Through the  Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, these students can apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state’s largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.

The DePaul Grant is available to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Students are automatically considered for this grant upon completing the FAFSA. Award amounts vary based on the timing of the application and the availability of funds.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and demonstrate exceptional financial need. At DePaul University, exceptional need is defined as having a zero or negative Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated based on information provided in the FAFSA. Funding for this program is limited, and the maximum award amount varies.

The TEACH Grant is a federal program that provides up to $4,000 per year to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who plan to pursue a teaching career. At DePaul University, these funds are reserved for students who have reached at least their sophomore year. Recipients of the TEACH Grant must commit to serving as full-time teachers in high-need fields at public or private elementary or secondary schools that serve low-income students. To fulfill the grant’s requirements, recipients must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which the grant was awarded. Failure to meet the teaching service requirement will result in the grant being converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accruing from the date the grant was originally disbursed. The interest rate will be fixed based on the rate in effect at the time of disbursement.

Students are strongly encouraged to fully understand the eligibility criteria and service obligations before applying. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Be accepted into and maintain enrollment in an approved TEACH Grant-eligible program.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.250 or higher, with courses taken for a letter grade.
• All of a student's courses must be taken for a letter grade as “Pass/Fail” grades cannot be calculated into a qualifying cumulative GPA.
• Undergraduate students must have successfully completed 44 quarter hours or 30 semester hours for transfer students.
• Complete all steps of the application process prior to your last date of attendance.

Steps to Apply for the TEACH Grant

1. Review the Federal TEACH Grant website for additional details.
2. Complete the FAFSA and monitor the To-Do list in Campus Connect for any additional documentation requirements.
3. Complete, sign, and submit the TEACH Grant Request Form.
4. Complete the online Agreement to Serve or Repay (Agreement).
5. Complete the TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling requirement.
6. Review the TEACH FATV playlists for further guidance.
   • Teaching Obligations
   • Potential Repayment Obligation

A wide range of additional grant and scholarship programs are available. Students are encouraged to research these opportunities to understand their eligibility criteria and application processes. Many of these options can be found in DePaul Scholarship Connect.