Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

What is a Academic Competitiveness Grant?

Awarded under the federal aid program, Academic Competitiveness Grants are available to first or second year undergraduate students who have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet the requirements listed below.  In order to be considered for this Grant program, students need to review the requirements below and if they meet those requirements, either completed a FAFSA form or correct their FAFSA form indicating their eligibility.

How do I qualify?

1st academic year undergraduate (0-24 hours earned):

Recipients must:

• Be full-time students (enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester)
• Be U.S. Citizens
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be eligible for the federal Pell Grant
• Must have completed a rigorous secondary school program after January 1, 2006
• Not have been previous enrolled in a program of undergraduate education.

Grant Amount: Up to $750 over two semesters.

2nd academic year undergraduate (25-48 hours earned):

Recipients must:

• Be full-time students (enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester)
• Be U.S. Citizens
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Be eligibly for the federal Pell Grant
• Must have completed a rigorous secondary school program after January 1, 2006 and have earned at least 25 credit hours.
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 at the conclusion of the first year of undergraduate education.

Grant Amount:  Up to $1300 over two semesters.

Enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress

All the eligibility requirements above including full time enrollment will be reviewed prior to the disbursement of the ACG grant in addition these eligibility requirements will be reviewed at the end of schedule adjustment.  If the student does not meet these requirements at that time, the award will be cancelled.

All financial aid is awarded subject to acceptance or readmission to the University as a regular degree seeking student. A student is eligible for financial assistance if she/he maintains satisfactory academic progress. This progress is reviewed at the end of each spring and/or summer term for the succeeding academic year. Satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes requires that the student maintain a minimum gpa and make progress toward their degree.

The minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards required to receive aid is available from the Financial Aid Web Site. It is also listed in the Academic Policies section of the Radford University Catalog. Fall applicants who failed to meet the minimum standards will have their academic records reviewed at the end of fall semester. At this time financial assistance, if available, may be awarded to students who have reached the satisfactory level. A student who wishes to appeal the denial of financial aid must first have his/her case reviewed by their Financial Aid Counselor. If the student is not satisfied with the Director's decision, a further appeal can be made to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal form is available in the Financial Aid Office.

How much money can I get?

You can receive up to $750 for your 1st academic year and up to $1300 for your 2nd academic year.

How will I be paid at Radford University?

If you are awarded a Academic Competitiveness Grant it will be listed with your awards on MY RU as part of your financial aid package. The total amount of your financial aid as shown on  MY RU will be paid in installments. Generally, one-half of each award may be disbursed to you each semester upon completion of the verification/review of your file and acceptance of your award. Acceptance of your financial assistance takes place on the web (MY RU) by following all instructions. To complete the verification/review process, send all requested information to the Financial Aid Office as quickly as possible. You can check the status of your financial aid application by using the Student Information System. After your ACG award has been verified, it will be credited to your student account. Any credit balance remaining on your student account after all University charges have been paid, will be reimbursed to you after the start of the semester.