Grants
Grants are "free money," similar to scholarships. As a general rule, they are awarded on the basis of financial need, usually as determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is available to students with financial need. This is based on a federal formula from family financial information submitted on the FAFSA. Awards for 2010-2011 will range up to $5,550. There is no limit on the number of Pell Grants that can be awarded each year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is for students of exceptional need who also receive the Federal Pell Grant. Funds for FSEOG are limited and awards for 2010-2011 range up to $2,000.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
The ACG is a federally funded grant for students with exceptional need who also receive the Federal Pell Grant. Eligible students are entering freshmen who have completed a "rigorous secondary school program" and sophomores who have completed a "rigorous secondary school program" and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA during freshman year. Awards for 2010-2011 are $750 for freshmen and $1,300 for sophomores who are enrolled at least half-time. More information is available here.
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)
Illinois residents are considered for this need-based grant, which is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and can be used to help pay for tuition and fees. The application deadline varies from year to year due to funding uncertainties, so students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st for enrollment the following year. Visit the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Web Site (www.collegezone.com) for further information. The maximum annual award amount for a MAP grant in 2010-2011 is $4,968.
MAP grant update
LCU Undergraduate Studies Grants
Lincoln Christian University funds a limited number of need-based grants each year for students in the School of Undergraduate Studies. These grants are awarded based on information received from the FAFSA, the student's level of unmet need, other financial aid received, and other factors.