Demonstrated Need-Based Grants
These awards are grant aid made to students who demonstrate financial need, apply by established priority dates, and meet the eligibility criteria set forth by each funding program. Grant aid does not have to be repaid. These programs include:
Federal Pell Grants: Federal grant aid for first bachelor's degree students who demonstrate a very high level of need. Eligibility is determined by criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. The amount of the grant is also based on the student's level of need and the number of credits for which the student will register. For more information, please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): This federal program provides grant assistance to first bachelor's degree students with exceptional financial need. At Lesley, priority for receiving FSEOG is given first to Federal Pell Grant eligible students who are registered for 12 or more credits each academic semester.
TEACH Grant: Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. For more information about the responsibilities that a student assumes in receiving this grant, please go to the Financial Aid Office website at lesley.edu/academics/guide-financial-aid-scholarships-undergraduate-first-year-and-transfer-students under “TEACH Grant.”
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: A student whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Additional student eligibility requirements include that the student must be ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant due only to having less financial need than is required to receive Pell funds, be under 24 years old, or be enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The grant award is equal to the amount of a maximum Pell Grant for the award year. For more information, please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/iraq-afghanistan-service.
State Grants: These are awarded directly by the state of a student’s residence to first bachelor's degree students. Most states require that a student be registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester in order to receive their respective state’s grant consideration. To apply for a state grant in Massachusetts and most other states, the student completes a FAFSA by the state's priority deadline which can be confirmed at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa under “Student Aid Deadlines”. Although Lesley anticipates Massachusetts state grant eligibility on the student's award letter, the student also will be notified of eligibility directly by the state.
Massachusetts Gilbert Grants: These are funds allocated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Lesley for distribution to eligible full-time, bachelor's degree students who are permanent residents of Massachusetts with a demonstrated high level of need.
Lesley Need Based Grants: The Lesley Grant is provided, for up to eight semesters to students who demonstrate financial need and have applied for financial aid consideration by the established priority date.