Grants
One type of need-based aid that may be available to you is grants. Take the first step by filing the FAFSA.
Making College More Affordable
The federal government offers multiple options to help you pay for college, including grants. Grants are need-based aid that does that do not have to be repaid.
To apply for the federal grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
File the FAFSA
Federal Grants
Take a look at these grant descriptions to see which ones you may be eligible for and how they may factor into your plans for paying for college.
Federal Pell Grant
This grant is available to undergraduate students with no prior bachelor's or professional degree. The maximum award for the current academic year (2026-2027) is $7,395. The amount of each Federal Pell Grant depends on your financial need, cost of education and your enrollment status. The amount reported on your award letter is based on full-time enrollment. The Pell Grant is paid based on a student's enrollment intensity. The amount listed on the financial aid offer, generally, lists the Pell Grant that would be paid for a full-time (12 or more credits per term) student. The amount is then reduced to match the student's enrollment intensity. There is a limit to the amount of Pell Grant funds a student can receive. Once a student has received the equivalent of six full award years of the Pell Grant, the student is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Available to Pell-eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount awarded is determined by the student's need and the availability of funds at the university. To apply for the grant, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the University of South Dakota's priority deadline of April 1. This grant is awarded on a priority basis based on the FAFSA receipt date and based on the availability of funds.
