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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Student to Student Grant (STS) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by FAFSA. Typically, these are students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of zero. These funds are limited, so priority is given to students who apply early in the academic school year. You must be enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours (1000-level or above and/or approved remedial courses). The actual amount received is based on full-time enrollment of 12 hours or more or part-time enrollment of six to 11 credit hours.

To apply for an STS award, a student first must meet the following general eligibility requirements:

U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have received a high school diploma or GED
Be enrolled in classes leading to a U.S. Department of Education-approved certificate or degree.
Not be in default on a Federal student loan
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students should start the application process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Unlike the Federal Pell Grant, STS Grants are based on available funds. That is why students are strongly encouraged to file their FAFSA as soon after Jan. 1 as possible.

If you filed the FAFSA online the Office of Student Financial Assistance should receive your results within 3 to 4 days.

After our office receives your results electronically, an email will be sent to your COD email address to request additional information based on your results, which may include, but is not limited to: tax transcripts, verification of citizenship, etc. Our office will send out three requests for additional information, after which you will no longer receive notices for missing information. It is your responsibility to check your COD email and myACCESS account regularly!

It may take 4 to 6 weeks to process your financial aid information after all required documents are submitted. Processing time may vary depending on volume of application and/or corrections. It is strongly suggested that students apply at least 8 weeks before the start of the semester.

Notification of your award
You will receive an award letter notifying you of your maximum STS award for the academic school year. If you are not a full-time student, then your STS award will be prorated according to the number of registered hours. Please refer to Understanding Your Financial Aid for important information on withdrawing from classes and deadline dates for enrollment. Students who have excessive drops or do not complete 67% of their classes and maintain a 2.0 GPA will risk losing their financial aid.

As always, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance prior to dropping classes.