General Information on the Academic Competitive (AC) Grant

Beginning fall 2006, college students will be able to start benefiting from the recently enacted Academic Competitiveness (AC) grant program. 

The purpose of this new federal grant program is to encourage students to pursue more rigorous courses in high school. The AC grant will provide funding for students in their first two years of college.

General eligibility requirements: to qualify for either one of these grant programs, students must (1) be eligible for Federal Pell grant aid; (2) a United States citizen; (3) enrolled in college full-time.

In addition, students must: (1) have not been previously enrolled in a program of undergraduate education; (2) have not completed high school after January 1, 2006 if a first-year student OR have completed high school after January 1, 2006 if a second-year student.

Guidelines for Federal AC Grant Program:

Maximum award: $750 for the 1^st year and $1,300 for the 2^nd year of college

• By July 1, 2006, the Department of Education will notify students of their potential eligibility for this grant, based on the information students provided on their FASFA.
• The notice will direct students to a web site that will provide them with additional information on the AC program (including a list of high school curriculum that meets the grant program’s eligibility criteria).
• Students will then self-identify their eligibility for the grant to the Department of Education through the web site.
• The Department of Education will notify each higher education institution that the students applied for the AC, and might be eligible to receive the grant.
• Higher education institutions will be responsible for verifying students’ eligibility and submitting this documentation to the Department of Education.

To view a recent news release by the Department of Education on this grant program, click here.

To learn more about determining student eligibility for the Academic Competitiveness grant, click here.