Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are awarded directly to students with financial need who meet the eligibility requirements. The FAFSA is used to determine need and eligibility, and the amount for which a student is eligible is determined individually by the U.S. Department of Education. The maximum amount available in 2017-2018 was $5,920 per year. Undergraduate students can continue to receive Pell Grants for a maximum of 6 years as long as they are making satisfactory progress toward their degree and continue to demonstrate need.
Federal SEOG
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need based on the FAFSA. These grants range from $100 to $4,000 per year, although funding for this program is very limited.
Federal TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program 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.
TEACH grant recipients must teach in a school serving low-income families for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which he or she received the grant. If a student fails to complete the service obligation, all TEACH grant amounts received by the student will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan which must be repaid to the U.S. Department of Education. The student will be charged interest from the date the grant(s) was disbursed.
The Federal TEACH grant will only be awarded to students who specifically request the grant, complete the TEACH entrance counseling and "ability-to-serve" certification, and file the FAFSA.
State Grants
Louisiana TOPS
Louisiana's Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) is a comprehensive state scholarship program that can be applied to your Centenary education. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the state, so the program is subject to legislative revision and funding issues.
The FAFSA serves as the state's application for TOPS. Please visit the TOPS website for the most current information about this program.
Louisiana GO Grant
The Louisiana GO Grant is a need-based financial aid program designed to make college more affordable for students from moderate and low income families. U.S. Citizens and Louisiana residents who are eligible for and receive the Federal Pell Grant may also be eligible for the Louisiana GO Grant (as funding permits). Eligible students who have less than 60% need met by scholarships and grants may receive up to $3,000 per academic year as a full-time student or $1,500 per year as a half-time student.