Grants

In order to be considered for Federal and State Grant funds, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the specified deadlines. 
 
Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Pell Grants are generally awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree.  Students can receive no more than 12 semesters (or the equivalent) of Pell Grants during their undergraduate program, including payments received at previous institutions.  

Pell Grant awards amounts are up to $7,395 annually for the 2023-2024 Award Year. 

Year-Round Pell - Students who are enrolled at least halftime (6 credits per semester) for an additional term, e.g., Summer Session(s), may qualify for an additional Pell Grant for up to 50 percent of the scheduled annual award.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need.  Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for FSEOG.  Awards can range from $200 to $1,000 annually. The priority deadline for FSEOG consideration at Kean University is April 1 for the following academic year.

NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)

Tuition Aid Grants are awarded to instate undergraduate students with financial need.  Recipients (and parents of dependent students) must be residents of New Jersey and enrolled full time at Kean University in their first bachelor’s degree program. Eligible students can receive up to nine semesters of TAG.  (EOF and NJ County College transfer students may be eligible for additional payments.)  Students receiving TAG for the current academic year must complete the upcoming year's FAFSA no later than May 15th for TAG renewal.  

TAG awards at Kean University can range from $2,616 to $8,960 annually for the 2023-2024 Award Year.

NJ Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Grant

EOF participants must meet the residency and enrollment requirements for NJ TAG (see above). The program is intended for students who show potential and exhibit evidence of academic and/or creative promise, but who have limited educational and financial resources for college and have economic backgrounds that reflect a history of poverty. EOF Grants can range from $1,700 per year for commuter students and $1,950 for on-campus residents. 

Additional Data Collection for State Aid - Your eligibility for NJ State grants (TAG/NJ STARS) will be determined by HESAA after you respond to a few additional questions.  After completing the FAFSA, your confirmation page will include a link to answer these questions.  If you were unable to complete the questions upon completion of the FAFSA, go to www.njfams.hesaa.org  and click on the link "To Do List".  Note that it is REQUIRED that these questions are answered, to be considered for NJ State Aid.  

Special Notation for Kean-Ocean Students - Half - and in some cases more than half - of the courses specified for these plans are Ocean County College courses, none of which can be funded with TAG or STARS II once a student has completed an associate's degree (or five semesters of full-time study at a community college).  Consortium students must be taking all of their courses through Kean to be eligible for TAG

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

Kean University participates in the TEACH Grant program, which is available to undergraduate students who have completed at least 56 undergraduate credits and graduate students enrolled in an eligible program.  Students enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program at Kean are NOT eligible to receive the TEACH Grant. Additional information about TEACH Grant eligibility requirements and program specifics can be found at studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program. 

TEACH Award Amounts: 2023-2024

Aggregate Graduate Limit:  $8,000

Aggregate Undergraduate Limit: $16,000

Students do not have to apply for the TEACH Grant. The Office of Financial Aid identifies students who may be eligible and awards them accordingly. Students who meet the criteria will receive notification sent to their Kean email account with instructions to complete the Entrance Counseling and Agreement to Serve (ATS).

The following steps must be completed online each award year:

• TEACH Grant Entrance Counseling.   Read the conditions of accepting the TEACH Grant. 
• Agreement to Serve (ATS). Read and understand your rights and responsibilities prior to signing this contract. 

Prior to graduating or leaving school, TEACH Grant recipients must complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling, which will explain the service obligation and the terms and conditions that apply should their grant become a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Contact Information - Please contact the TEACH specialist in the Office of Financial Aid at teachgrant@kean.edu to make an appointment.  Also contact the TEACH specialist if you believe you qualify for the TEACH Grant but did not receive an eligibility notification.