Federal Grant Programs

Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program is the first and main component of any need-based financial aid package. Pell Grants provide eligible students with funds for tuition, fees, books and other expenses. The amount of a Pell Grant is based on your financial need and the number of credits you are enrolled in each semester. For more information on the Pell Grant, please click on the Guide to Federal Student Aid Related Link on this page.

Note: This brochure is available in both English and Spanish.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

The Federal SEOG Program provides additional funds beyond the Pell Grant to students who have the greatest financial need.

Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998
(Perkins III)

Funds may be available to assist eligible students enrolled in a state-approved occupational program who are one of the following:

• Displaced homemakers
• Single parents
• Non-traditional training participants
• Economically-disadvantaged students
• academically-disadvantaged
• Have limited English proficiency
• Persons with disabilities

Assistance may be possible for these students who require special services and/or assistance to succeed. The student must have an Educational Development Plan (EDP) on file and show the ability to benefit. Please check with the Financial Aid office for further details and application.

EXCEL Scholarships

Participants in the EXCEL program who are receiving PELL funds are eligible for a federal EXCEL scholarship. This scholarship is provided through the Student Support Services and will not replace any other financial aid students may receive.

Please see an EXCEL advisor in Academic Support at the Dowagiac Campus or at the Niles Area Campus for further information

Hope Scholarship

The Hope Scholarship is a tax credit that is subtracted directly from the tax a family owes, instead of being subtracted from taxable income like a tax deduction. A family must file a federal tax return and owe taxes to get this tax credit. A family cannot get a refund for the Hope credit if it does not pay taxes. A family that owes less tax than the maximum amount of the Hope tax credit for which it is eligible can only take a credit up to the amount of taxes owed.

State Grant Programs

State of Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

This program provides tuition waivers to North American Indians who have proper documentation of heritage, and who have been Michigan residents for at least 12 months. Certification is received through the appropriate tribe.

Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

The Michigan Department of Human Services will pay in-district tuition and mandatory fees for qualified students who complete a high school diploma or GED by age 20. Proof of high school graduation/GED, Michigan residency, and family income will be required. For more information on the Tuition Incentive Program, please click here on the link for this program under Related Links on this page.