Grant Opportunities

Types of Aid

The 2025-26 FAFSA is now available via studentaid.gov. To ensure successful completion, read our webpage about applying for aid. If you have been selected for verification, a 2023 IRS tax transcript can be requested via irs.gov.

View financial aid deadlines
 

Grants are, essentially, need-based gifts. You don't have to pay a grant back as long as you follow the grant's guidelines.

There is no separate application for grants. Submit your completed FAFSA and your eligibility will automatically be considered for several grants at the federal, state and institutional levels. Some grants also require a minimum GPA.

Important things to note:

  • Grants only pay for courses that are in a student's degree program. Learn more about this on the plan of study webpage.
  • If you withdraw from school before a semester is complete, you may be required to refund some or all of your grant money.

Federal Pell Grants

For low-income undergraduates and, in some cases, students pursuing a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate. Pell Grant awards are based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), the cost of attendance and enrollment status.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grant program

If your area of study is TEACH-Grant-eligible, the program outlines specific tasks and forms to receive the TEACH grant each year.

Texas Public Educational Grants

Students who are enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester at SFA and meet the program's eligibility requirements are automatically considered once their FAFSA is received.

TEXAS Grants

In addition to being classified as a Texas resident, there are several criteria that must be met to qualify.

Renewal of the grant funds are offered to eligible students who:

  • continue to meet qualifying criteria
  • follow HOP policy 04-115
  • maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • and earn at least 24 semester credit hours in an academic year. 

Eligibility for the TEXAS Grant ends once 150 semester credit hours or the equivalent have been attempted, unless the student receives a hardship extension.

Transfer students: If you received a TEXAS Grant at your previous school, you might be able to renew those awards at SFA. Send an email to finaid@sfasu.edu with your name, SFA ID number, type of award received and the college or university you were attending when you received it.

Lumberjack Grant

SFA sets aside funding from tuition and fees to offer students this grant. If you're classified as a Texas resident and enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester, you may qualify. The Lumberjack Grant has less stringent financial-need requirements than some of the other grant programs.