The Academic Competetiveness Grant, further known as ACG, is a grant awarded by an eligible college to students who have met a rigorous high school curriculum. This isn't for high school students. It's for freshman or sophomores in college, but you have to have taken high school courses that meet the definition of rigorous curriculum. Eligibility for ACG begins with filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
First, let me start off by saying that an eligible college is one that is accredited and offers a program that leads to an associate's or bachelor's degree, which includes two-year programs that lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree. It's imperative that students applying for ACG are in an acceptable degree program at their institution.
ACG is awarded to eligible students for up to $750 the first year, and $1300 for second year. First year and second year status, or grade level, is defined by the applicant's college. Students may receive the award if eligible and enrolled half- or full-time.
To receive a first-year (basically, a freshman) ACG, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Pell Grant Eligible (determined by the FAFSA)
- at least half-time enrollment
- Completed high school after January 1, 2006
- Completed with passing grades a high school program of at least the following courses:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Math (including Algebra I and a higher level course such as Algebra II, Geometry, or Data Analysis and Statistics
- 3 years of Science (including at least two courses from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
- 3 years of Social Studies
- 1 year of Foreign Language
or - In high school have taken 2 Advanced Placement or 2 International Baccalaureate courses with a minimum passing score of 3 or 4 respectively.
Awards may be prorated depending on enrollment status and financial aid eligibility, but $750 is the maximum a student can receive as a first-year recipient. The ACG is also available for up to $1300 at the second year (sophomore level), but additional criteria must be met:
- Pell Grant Eligible
- at least half-time enrollment
- Completed high school after January 1, 2005
- Completed a rigorous high school program defined of at least completing the following with passing grades:
- 4 years of English
- 3 Years of Math (including Algebra I and a higher level course such as Algebra II, Geometry, or Data Analysis and Statistics
- 3 Years of Science (including at least two courses from Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- 3 years of Social Studies
- 1 year of Foreign Language
or - in high school having taken 2 Advanced Placement, or 2 International Baccalaureate courses with a minimum passing score of 3 or 4 respectively.
- Have at least a 3.0 G.P.A. on college course work at the beginning of the second year
If you feel you meet the criteria for either of these grants but the award was not listed on your financial aid award letter, contact your school to see if you are indeed eligible for the ACG. However, your school will not be able to determine eligibility unless you have submitted an official copy of your high school transcript. Colleges need the high school transcript to evaluate whether or not you have met the rigorous high school program.