Grants

Explore

Grants provide money that does not need to be paid back, which lowers the cost of paying for college. They can be provided by Wentworth, the federal government, individual states and private organizations. Below is information about various grants.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students. The grant is available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Starting for 2024-25 the Pell Grant amount is based on the student’s dependency status, family size, student and/or parent adjusted gross income (AGI), and poverty guideline for their state of legal residence. The grant is prorated based on enrollment. If the student is not enrolled full-time, the grant will be prorated based on the number of credits per semester. To apply, complete the FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)

A recent law reduces the duration of Federal Pell Grant eligibility from 18 semesters (or its equivalent) to 12 semesters (or its equivalent). This applies to all Federal Pell Grant eligible students effective with the 2012-13 academic year. The maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%. The 12-semester or six-year equivalent is 600%. This change affects all students regardless of when or where they received their first Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

This need-based grant does not need to be repaid. Students must be enrolled full-time. Priority is given to Pell Grant Recipients. Maximum award: $1,200.

State Grants

Eligibility for these grants is determined by each state. State grants will not be awarded until the school receives a roster from the state agency.

To be eligible for a MASSGrant a student must:

  • Be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one full year prior to the opening of the academic year.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations.
  • Have applied for financial aid, using the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Be in compliance with Selective Service Registration.
  • Not be in default of any federal or state Student Loans for attendance at any institution or owe a refund for any previous financial aid received.
  • Be enrolled full time (at least 12 credits or its equivalent) in a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree program at an eligible institution.
  • Not have received a prior bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards.
  • Demonstrate financial aid need as determined by the federal methodology need analysis criteria.
  • Have a Pell grant eligible Student Aid Index (SAI) or for 2023-24 Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Vermont Grant recipients must:

Vermont residents are eligible to apply for a Vermont Incentive grant if they are:

  • accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program, and do not already have a bachelor's degree, unless they are
  • attending the University of Vermont College of Medicine, or
  • enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
  • enrolled in at least 12 credits per term

Vermont Incentive grants are available for Vermont residents enrolled full-time at any postsecondary institution within the United States or Canada that participates in the federal Pell grant program.

The grant award amount is based on financial need and the cost of attendance of the student’s school. The minimum and maximum award amounts are determined annually based on funding availability.

Note: Vermont grant applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available.

How to Apply

  • Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required for the Vermont grant application.
  • Fill out the Vermont grant application. The FAFSA confirmation page will provide a link that will take you to the myVSAC registration page, where you can register for a new account or log in to your existing account. Once logged in, you will see the Vermont grant application, which will partially be prefilled from your FAFSA.

PA State Grant recipients must:

Pennsylvania residents are eligible to apply for a PA State Grant if they are:

  • accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, and do not already have a bachelor's degree
  • enrolled in at least 12 credits per term
  • file their FAFSA before May 1st
  • meet PA State Grant Academic Progress for Undergraduate Students in previous semesters they may have received a PA State Grant for

The grant award amount is based on financial need and the cost of attendance of the student’s school.

How to Apply

  • Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is required for the Pennsylvania State grant.
  • Confirm Completion of PA State Grant Form on Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Website, pheaa.org. Application receives your FAFSA information, but may require additional information.

Pennsylvania students who identified as a youth who has experienced foster care at age 16 or older may be eligible for two additional programs Chafee Program. To check your eligibility visit pheaa.org.

Gilbert Grant

This need-based MA state grant does not need to be repaid. To be eligible, students and parents must be Massachusetts state residents and the student must be enrolled full time. Maximum award: $2,000.

Wentworth Fund Grant

This Wentworth funded grant is awarded based on financial need and is renewable contingent upon continuing financial need.

Virtual Advisor Ruggles Icon Questions? Ask Ruggles