Federal Grants

Each year, Helena College helps students receive millions of dollars from the federal government. The following grants use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine need. They are reserved for students with the highest financial need. This is separate from scholarships, which can be merit-based. They do not have to be paid back as long as you stay in school and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

ANNOUNCEMENT: STUDENT DEBT RELIEF

Federal Student Aid and the Biden-Harris Administration have announced loan forgiveness plans of up to $20,000 for prior Pell-Grant recipients and up to $10,000 for all other loan borrowers. Please visit studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/ for the most up-to-date information. 

Just Announced: The student loan payment pause is extended until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved. Payments will restart 60 days later. If the debt relief program has not been implemented and the litigation has not been resolved by June 30, 2023 - payments will resume 60 days after that. We will notify borrowers before payments restart.

Pell Grant

For eligible undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Amounts vary depending on eligibility.  For the 2022-2023 academic year, the Pell Grant amounts are estimated to range from $100 to $6,895, if eligible.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Priority goes to Pell Grant recipients who demonstrate exceptional financial need as defined by the FAFSA, and have a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The number of recipients depends on the availability of funds. These funds are also awarded based upon the submission date of the student's FAFSA for both fall and spring terms, closest to the Montana priority date (December 1st) are more likely to receive this grant.

For most information on federal grants and scholarships for which you may be eligible to receive, visit StudentAid.gov

Helena College Chat