Grants are financial assistance based on financial need. They may include additional criteria such as academic merit. Although they do not usually require repayment or a work obligation, some grants have additional requirements which are stated in each grant description. Grants require completion of the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, as soon as possible after Jan. 1 for the following academic year. Notification of grants begin in March, OU's Financial Aid Office will notify students by mail of the amount and types of financial assistance, including any grants, for which they are eligible. Aid initially is offered for the Fall and Winter semesters.
Oakland University Grant Programs
Oakland University Academic Grant
New students entering college for the first time who are Michigan residents with a minimum high school GPA of 3.00, a minimum ACT composite score of 21, and demonstrate financial need are awarded up to $4000 per year for four years depending on the level of financial need. Requires completion of the FAFSA and full-time enrollment. Awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid.
Oakland University Housing Grant
New students entering college for the first time who are Michigan residents with a minimum high school GPA of 3.00, a minimum ACT composite score of 21, demonstrate financial need and live in on-campus housing are awarded up to $4000 per year for four years depending on the level of financial need. Requires completion of the FAFSA and full-time enrollment. Awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid.
Oakland University 100% Tuition Grant
New students entering college for the first time who are Michigan residents and demonstrate financial need. Award covers up to 100% of tuition for four years after the expected family contribution (EFC) and other gift aid. Average tuition award is estimated at $3,821. The award is renewable. Requires completion of the FAFSA and full-time enrollment. Awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid.
Oakland University Special Assistance Fund
Awarded to new and returning full time undergraduate students who are Michigan residents and have recently experienced declining financial circumstances such as loss of job which have put their ability to pay for tuition in jeopardy. Students who do not have other financial assistance to pay for tuition are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss their circumstances with a Financial Aid Advisor.
Federal Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant
Offered to undergraduate students working toward their first bachelor's degree. The amount of the Pell Grant depends on the level of financial need. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2011-102 award year is $5,550. Requires completion of the FAFSA.
Federal Teach Grant
Offered to students in a Master’s degree program which leads toward teaching. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides $4,000 in annual grant. The maximum cumulative award is $8,000 (2 years). Less than full time students have the same cumulative maximum, but have prorated annual awards. Candidates must agree to serve as full-time teachers at certain schools serving low-income students, and teach subjects within certain high-need fields (foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, science, special education) for at least four academic years within eight years of completing the course of study for which the grant was received. If a grant recipient does not fulfill the teaching obligation, the TEACH grant funds convert to a Direct unsubsidized loan that must be repaid with interest. Requires completion of the FAFSA.
Michigan Grant Programs
Visit the State of Michigan website for information about Michigan grant programs.