Grants
Several grant programs provide assistance to students who qualify. Grants don't have to be repaid, but grants that exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books and supplies are subject to U.S. income taxation. Amounts used for room and board are considered taxable income.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal student aid gift assistance program available to undergraduates.
To determine eligibility, a student must apply for this grant by completing the FAFSA. Students should apply by April 1 to allow ample processing time before fall registration. Based on the information submitted, the school receives an Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) in about two weeks. Simultaneously, the student receives a Student Aid Report (SAR). This report provides an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) that determines the applicant's entitlement. Other factors that affect the amount of the grant are enrollment status (full time or part time) and the cost of attendance.
To receive the Pell Grant, a student must do the following:
- Apply by submitting the FAFSA to the federal processor.
- Follow instructions to correct the SAR if needed.
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate course of study. (The grant is not available to students who have previously received a bachelor's degree from any institution.)
- Be a U.S. citizen; be in the United States for other than a temporary purpose with the intention to become a permanent resident; or be a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands or the Republic of Palau.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This program is available to full-time, first-time undergraduates who have exceptional financial need. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive FSEOG assistance. Awards are dependent on the level of federal funding received by Clemson University.
Application requires the submission of the FAFSA. Forms received by the federal processor by April 1 will receive priority consideration. Follow-up documents, if required, should be submitted promptly because FSEOG funds typically are depleted by mid-summer.
The South Carolina Need-Based Grant
This program awards up to $2,500 to South Carolina residents demonstrating financial need. Application requires the submission of the FAFSA. Priority consideration is given to applicants who file the FAFSA by April 1 each year.