Federal Grants

– The federal government is the largest provider of financial aid. Heritage Christian University believes that it makes sense to know as much as possible about federal financial aid programs and to apply for federal financial aid funds before seeking out other non-federal financial aid sources. Grants may be awarded if you show financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The grants listed here are administered by Heritage Christian University based on the guidelines set for each program by the provider.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are considered the foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added. It is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates and is designed to assist students from low-income households. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA®) form.

Who is Eligible for a Federal Pell Grant? 

2026–27 Award Year

Pell Grant Eligibility Changes

Non-Federal Aid Limit: Students whose non-federal grants, waivers, or scholarships (institutional, state, or private) already cover their entire COA are ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant. This is a change from previous regulations, which allowed students in some circumstances to be fully funded with scholarship aid and still received their Federal Pell Grant on top.

SAI Threshold: Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to or greater than $14,790 (twice the maximum Pell award) no longer qualify. The maximum Pell Grant remains at $7,395, with a minimum of $740. This limit does not apply to students who qualify for a Pell Grant under the Pell Grant Special Rule.

The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2026–27 award year (July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027).  The amount a student receives will depend on:

  • The student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by the FAFSA information provided by the student/parent,
  • the cost of attendance (determined by HCU for each academic program),
  • enrollment status – full-time or part-time, and
  • the student’s plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of his or her scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year. Please note that student can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 terms full-time terms or the equivalent (roughly six years). Once a total amount of Pell Grant eligibility has been received, a student can no longer receive Pell Grant aid.

Students who establish eligibility will be funded. All documents needed to establish eligibility must be received prior to the last day of enrollment, or June 30 of the award year, whichever comes first. Initial awards are estimated based on the results of the FAFSA and are based on a full time enrollment calculation. Estimates would change if any criteria used to determine eligibility, degree status, satisfactory progress, and income or family information changes. The amount actually paid to the student from the Federal Pell Grant will be prorated if the student enrolls for less than full-time (at least 12 credit hours) in a given term or if the student takes courses outside their program of study. Eligibility requires students to begin attending all of their classes on the first day.

Special Rule Eligibility for Pell Grant (formerly known as the Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant)

Students who meet Pell Grant eligibility requirements under the Special Rule in HEA Section 401(c), as amended, will receive maximum Pell Grant. To receive a maximum Pell Grant award based on eligibility under the Special Rule, a student must be:

  • The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while either (a) serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and
  • Less than 33 years old as of January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g., for the 2026–27 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2026, to be eligible).

In this situation, schools will award an eligible student a maximum Pell Grant award, regardless of student aid index (SAI). Other aid for these students will be based on their calculated SAI.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a grant award for students with exceptional need (students with the lowest EFC). Students who are eligible for Pell Grant receive first priority consideration for FSEOG. Students are automatically considered for FSEOG when they complete the FAFSA®. Awards vary depending on level of need and the amount of funding available at HCU. The average awards range from: $100 – $300. Recipients must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half-time.

Important Note: Since the FSEOG award is based on the availability of funding at HCU, there is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive an FSEOG grant.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

FWS is a federal campus-based program that provides jobs for undergraduates who are enrolled at least half-time. Most jobs are on-campus (students working for the school), although some are off campus. Students seeking FWS must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and meet the general requirements for federal aid.

FWS funds are made available to undergraduate students with financial need. Campus employment includes a variety of opportunities within departments of the University. The specific working hours approved per week are arranged so they do not interfere with class attendance or academic progress. Students generally work 4-10 hours per week and may work during the summer under certain conditions. Students are paid at least the current federal minimum wage and are paid once a month at the end of the month. The total a student may earn depends on the amount of the student’s financial aid award, which is determined by the Office of Financial Aid based on the funds available to the University. Important Note: Since the FWS award is based on the availability of funding at HCU, there is no guarantee that every eligible student will receive an FWS award.