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.

SMC Grant Programs

SMC Pell Grant Guarantee

Southwestern Michigan College offers a unique opportunity to Pell Grant eligible students from the three most recent high school graduating classes, SMC students and GED recipients. If you are eligible for only a partial Pell grant, the college will pay the remaining balance of tuition and fee costs not covered by Pell or other financial aid sources. This is subject to the following criteria:

• Available for students with a high school grade point average of 2.5 (including graduates of adult education programs within the SMC service area) or college grade point average of 2.0 who are eligible for federal Pell grants.
• If the Pell grant does not cover the student’s tuition and fees, SMC will guarantee that the remaining balance is covered by financial aid.
• $100 per book stipend available for students after they complete 24 credit hours.
• Full-time attendance is NOT required.
• Renewable for up to four years or until the student graduates, whichever comes first, for students who complete a minimum of 12 credits annually and maintains a SMC grade point average of 2.0.
• To be eligible, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their SMC Financial Aid file by July 1.

SMC Board of Trustees Grant

Southwestern Michigan College is proud to offer the SMC Board of Trustees Grant. This grant is available to students who are not Pell Grant eligible, but still have significant financial need. Eligible students from the three most recent high school graduating classes, SMC students and GED recipients must meet the following criteria:

• Available for students with a high school grade point average of 2.5 (including graduates of adult education programs within the SMC service area) or college grade point average of 2.0.
• Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their SMC Financial Aid file by July 1.
• If the student is NOT eligible for a Pell grant, but the amount of money the family can reasonably contribute according to the federal formula is less than $5,500, SMC guarantees one-half of the student's tuition will be paid through the SMC Board of Trustees Grant.
• Full-time attendance is NOT required.
• To be renewed for the second year, you must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.