SMART Grants Eligibility

Important Note!

Congress funded this program, along with the Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant, through the 2010-2011 academic year.  Both programs will not exist starting with the 2011-2012 academic year.

New for 2009-2010

  • Part-time students who meet all other program eligibility requirements will be able to participate in this program. The value of the award will be pro-rated based on the number of hours that you are taking each semester.

Maintaining Eligibility

  • You MUST maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in order to retain you eligibility to participate in this program. This standard is part of the legislation that established the program and is not subject to appeal. We must check your cumulative GPA at the end of each semester.
  • You MUST continue to major in an “eligible program”. Download the current list of eligible majors.
  • You MUST take at least one course “specific to and required for a National SMART Grant-eligible major” each semester. The Department of Education sent us a letter on October 9, 2007 outlining this requirement.
    • At this point, our understanding that we will be required to check your schedules each semester and make sure that you are enrolled in at least one science and or math course that is appropriate for your major. If you are NOT ENROLLED in at least one science and/or math course appropriate to your major, we will be legally required to cancel your grant for the semester.
  • This grant was added “on top” of your normal Loyola need-based aid award. Please be aware that if you forfeit your eligibility to participate in this program, you will not be eligible for any additional institutional grants to offset the loss of these federal funds.
  • For additional information on eligibility requirements, visit the National SMART Grant page.

Updated February 11, 2011