Grants

Grants: Financial Aid You Don’t Repay

Explore Grant Programs Available at Owens

Grants are a type of gift aid based on financial need. Unlike educational loans, grants do not need to be repaid as long as you complete the semester.

Each grant has specific eligibility requirements in addition to general financial aid rules. Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for these grant programs.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI). This number, calculated from your FAFSA, measures financial need and helps determine your aid eligibility.

You may be eligible for the maximum Pell Grant if:

  • You have a Pell-eligible SAI, and
  • You meet one of the following criteria:
    • Your parent or guardian died as a result of active-duty military service on or after 9/11/2001, or was a police officer, firefighter or other public safety officer who died in the line of duty
    • You were under 33 years old as of January 1 of the year your aid begins

You may also qualify if you already received the Pell Grant in the previous academic year under special eligibility rules for children of fallen service members or public safety officers.

2025-2026 (Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026)

  • Annual Award Amount: $7,395 (If you are enrolled in summer, fall and spring, your annual amount may be increased by up to 50%.)

2026-2027 (Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027)

  • Annual Award Amount: $7,395 (If you are enrolled in summer, fall and spring, your annual amount may be increased by up to 50%.)
  • Enrollment Required: For full eligibility, a minimum of 12 credit hours is required each semester, including summer. (If you are enrolled in fewer than 12 credits, amounts are adjusted based on the number of credits you are enrolled in.)
  • Length of Eligibility: Maximum of 12 full-time semesters
  • Application: FAFSA®

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) funds are limited. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible to increase your chances—funds are distributed until they run out.

To qualify, you must be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have exceptional financial need. Students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) receive priority.

Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Awards

  • Annual Award Amount: Up to $600
  • Enrollment Required: 1 or more credit hours
  • Application: FAFSA®

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)

To be considered for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), you must be an Ohio resident with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 3,750 or less and a family income of $96,000 or less. You must also meet all state and federal financial aid eligibility requirements and have received the Federal Pell Grant for both the summer and fall semesters.

OCOG helps fill gaps for students who are unable to receive Pell funds in the spring because they’re enrolled at less than half-time or have reached the 12-semester Pell Grant limit.

Spring 2026 awards:

  • Annual Award Amount: Up to $2,000
  • Enrollment Required: For full eligibility, a minimum of 12 credit hours is required. Amounts are pro-rated if you are enrolled in less than 12 credits.
  • Length of Eligibility: Maximum of 10 full-time semesters
  • Application: FAFSA®

FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.

To be considered for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), you must be an Ohio resident with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 3,750 or less and a family income of $96,000 or less.

Veterans: You must use Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty), Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness and Employment) or Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) benefits as certified by the Owens Office of Veterans Services.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Get more information about VA education benefits.

Foster Youth: You must present an Ohio Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program approval letter to the Student Service Center. Owens will then confirm your eligibility with the State of Ohio.

Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 awards:

  • Annual Award Amount: Up to $2,000 per semester (Awards may be used to help with tuition and living expenses.)
  • Enrollment Required: For full eligibility, a minimum of 12 credit hours is required each semester, including summer. Amounts are pro-rated if you are enrolled in less than 12 credits.
  • Length of Eligibility: Maximum of 10 full-time semesters
  • Application: FAFSA® and Veterans Benefits certification (for veterans) or Ohio ETV Program approval (for foster youth)

FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.

More Ways to Pay for College

We’re here to help you reach your academic goals with a high-quality, affordable education. Explore additional funding options beyond grants.

View Financial Aid Resources

Scholarships

Scholarships are available through the Board of Trustees, the College Foundation and external donors.

Education Loans

The federal government offers loans through the Federal Direct Loan program.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded part-time job program for students with financial need.

Contact Us

Student Financial Services (SFS)

Student Financial Services helps you with tuition, payment plans and financial aid at Owens Community College.

Phone: (567) 661-7777
Fax: (567) 661-7414
Send SFS an email.

FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.