|
A grant is a type of financial aid that is usually awarded based on "financial need." Grants are available from several sources including the College, some states, and the federal government. This page identifies grants that are available to students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Below you will find a brief description of the most common grant programs available at Lake Forest.
The primary application required to apply for a grant is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ("FAFSA"). In most cases, the FAFSA must be completed each year. Click here for more information about federal grants.
Follow the appropriate link for information for students from Canada and other foreign countries.
Grants
Lake Forest College Grant
This grant, provided directly from the College, is available only to full-time students. Most students who qualify for financial aid can expect a substantial amount of their need to be met by a Lake Forest College Grant. While most eligible students receive grants ranging from $5000 - $20,000 for a year, grants of varying amounts are made based on your individual circumstances, application and eligibility.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0. The Grant is available only to U.S. citizens. Click here for more information.
Federal Pell Grant
This federal grant is awarded to both full- and part-time students with exceptional financial need. Awards in the 2008-2009 academic year range from $400 - $4731. The Student Aid Report (SAR) you receive after submitting the FAFSA will tell you if it appears you will qualify for this grant. Because we may have corrected answers you gave on the FAFSA, there are times when the SAR's statement of Pell Grant eligibility may be incorrect. Click here to view your SAR.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This federal grant is also designed to provide grant assistance to students of exceptional financial need, with most awards going to full-time students. First consideration is given to students receiving a Federal Pell Grant. At Lake Forest, most awards are in the amount of $1500 for a year.
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant
This state grant is awarded to Illinois residents who attend an approved Illinois college/university, and meet the "need" requirements. The maximum grant for the 2008-2009 academic year is $4968. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) - which administers this and other state grant, scholarship, and loan programs - will, together with our Office of Financial Aid, determine if you are eligible for the grant.
Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA) Grant
This $500 state grant is awarded to Illinois residents who are first-year students attending an approved Illinois college/university, and have a federal expected family contribution (EFC) of "0." This grant is also administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.
Illinois Grant Programs
To learn more about other special programs (including scholarships) available to Illinois residents, contact College Zone.
National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
A National SMART Grant will provide up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. The Grant is available only to U.S. citizens. Click here for more information.
State Grant Programs
There are currently just a a few states - Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont for example- that offer funds which can be used at an out-of-state college/university. If you are a resident of one of these states, and meet the requirements (set by each state) the funds may be used here at Lake Forest. Since the grants are awarded by the states themselves, contact the higher education agency in your home state to learn more.
Outside Sources of Funds
Your ability to secure outside funding is always advantageous. For that reason you are encouraged to apply for national, state, and local grant that you may be eligible to receive. Both grants and scholarships are awarded at various levels by businesses, churches, civic organizations, and foundations.
You might even be contacted by a company offering to help you locate private sources of grant money for a fee. You should know that you can do your own search, at no cost. One of the ways to do this is to view the information on our Resources page where you'll find several databases that will provide you with potential sources of grants and scholarships.
If you do receive assistance from another source, we are required to account for it when providing you with other need-based financial aid. If you receive a Lake Forest Grant it will be reduced by 50% of this "outside assistance." The remaining 50% will either reduce your family's contribution, your loan or work-study eligibility. This is necessary to comply with federal guidelines, and to allow us to assist the largest possible number of students. While these steps are necessary, the total amount you receive in grant and scholarship funds in the end, will always be equal to or greater than the amount of grant assistance provided by the College alone. | 
