Women who are on their 3rd and 4th years of studying the hard sciences (mathematics, physics, engineering, or a foreign language that is important for national security) may get financial aid for completing their bachelor’s degree. The SMART Grant or Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant was created by Congress in 2005 as an additional need-based grant from the federal government to students from low income families. As much 4,000 dollars can be received by qualified students per year. It should be noted that the SMART Grant does not count against other grants given by the state or the federal government.

The requirements needed by the SMART Grant are submission of the FAFSA form and Pell eligibility. The FAFSA form exists both on paper and as an electronic document that is available for download. A copy of the paper forms can be acquired from the college’s financial aid office or from any public library. To download the FAFSA form, just go online to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Other requirements include US citizenship or eligible non citizens, enrolled for half a time and be in the third, fourth, or fifth year (if applicable) in the undergraduate degree program, and, a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale.

While it is true that one has to apply in order to qualify for a SMART Grant, prospective candidates are already shortlisted by the college. Selection of those who can be shortlisted is based on grade point average, the degree acquired, and eligibility for a Pell grant. Those who are shortlisted will be informed by the school.

Money intended for the grant will be sent by the federal government to respective schools and it will be the college who will finally disburse the fund to the student. More than 250 majors have been identified as possible areas where the SMART Grant can be applied. Major categories of degree programs that are qualified for a SMART aid include agriculture and natural resources, computer science, engineering, life sciences, mathematics, physical sciences, technology, multi-disciplinary studies, and critical foreign languages.

Recipients of Pell Federal aid may increase the money they receive by applying for a SMART Grant. This is the most popular application of the SMART Grant. When both funding sources are applied for, the total amount one receives must not exceed the cost of attendance. The amount of money received by applicants depends on the number of students wanting to access the loan. There could be ratable adjustment of grant money if the number of students exceeds the appropriated amount.

The federal government provides a lot of opportunities for individuals to complete a bachelor’s degree. There are a lot of grant packages that can be a source for women financial aid for getting a degree. By simply filling up a form and passing eligibility requirements, financial security can be attained by students enough to free them from the worries of paying for their education. The beauty of the SMART Grant is it does not oblige students to pay back the government if future events prevent them from completing their bachelor’s degree.