The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is available for first and second year college students who qualify for Pell Grant and have completed a rigorous high school curriculum. See the Federal Student Aid Web site for complete details.

How Much Can A Student Receive?

ACG 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 successfully completed a rigorous high school program.

Note: The ACG and Pell Grant combined may not exceed the student's cost of attendance. In addition, the grant amount may be reduced if the number of eligible students exceeds the programs appropriation for any fiscal year.

Eligibility Requirements

The student must meet the following requirements:

• U.S. citizen
• Pell Grant recipient
• Enrolled full-time in a degree program
• Enrolled in the first or second year at a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution
• Completed a rigorous high school program of study
• If a first-year student, not have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program
• If a second-year student, have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year.

What is a rigorous high school programs of study?

The student must complete and pass the following high school courses:

• Four years of English
• Three years of math (Algebra I and above)
• Three years of science (2 of 3: Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• Three years of social studies
• One year of a language other than English

The student may also complete at least two Advanced Placement courses with a passing score of 3 or higher.

Click here for more information on recognized rigorous secondary school programs of study for the Academic Competitiveness Grant program.