Grants are need-based aid, awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal Title IV grant program to help undergraduates pay for educational costs after high school. For many students, these grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which aid from other Federal and non-Federal sources may be added. Unlike loans, a Pell Grant does not have to be repaid, except under certain situations.

In order to receive a Federal Pell Grant a student must be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program as outlined in EAC’s college catalog. The amount of the award is based upon the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance, enrollment status, and a payment schedule issued by the U.S. Department of Education. The award may be up to $7,395 per academic year (2023-2024). The award schedule may be adjusted pending Congressional budget authorizations.

Pell Grants are prorated based on credit hours of enrollment:

  • 12 credits is considered full time
  • 9 – 11 credits is considered 3/4 time
  • 6 – 8 credits is considered 1/2 time
  • 1-5 credits is considered less than half time
Summer Semester

Eligibility for a Pell Grant award is based on enrollment level in Pell eligible courses.  Summer awards may have minimum credit requirements.  

  • Students awarded Pell Grant funds for both the fall and spring semesters at full-time must be enrolled in at least six (6) pell eligible credits to be awarded summer Pell Grant funds.
  • Students awarded Pell Grant funds for less than full-time for either the fall or spring semester have no minimum or maximum credit requirement for summer Pell  Grant funds.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a Title IV grant program which provides additional funds from the Federal Government to exceptionally needy students. This grant must be combined with other forms of aid (Pell Grant), and is also non repayable.

A grant may range from $200 to $2000 per academic year. Generally an award of $800 is given for an academic year to student with the lowest family contribution as determined by the FAFSA. These funds are limited and awarded to eligible students who meet the priority service deadline date.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAP)

LEAP is a federal grant program matched by the State of Arizona. Only Arizona residents are eligible. The award can range from $100 to $2000 per academic cyear. Generally an award of $800 is given for an academic year to student with the lowest family contribution as determined by the FAFSA. These funds are limited and awarded to eligible students who meet the priority service deadline.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG)

Like other federal grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants provide money to college or career school students to help pay their education expenses. However, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants have special eligibility criteria.

You may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if:

    • You are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of your Expected Family Contribution but
    • Meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
    • Your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11
    • You were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of your parent’s or guardian’s death.

For more information go to Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant