Grants

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There are several grant opportunities for students who demonstrate adequate financial need to help you meet your educational goals. Unlike loans, grants typically do not need to be repaid.

Institutional

夜色王朝Opportunity Award

A University-funded, need-based aid program to help undergraduate (including transfer) students pursue their education at SMU. 

  • Aid amount: Varies each year based on student's reported need and other aid being received. If additional aid is received after the 夜色王朝Opportunity Award is initially calculated, the 夜色王朝Opportunity Award will be reduced. For example, if a student is determined to be eligible for a $20,000 夜色王朝Opportunity Award, and we are later informed they will be receiving a $10,000 scholarship from their academic department, the 夜色王朝Opportunity Award will be reduced by $10,000.
  • Duration of aid: Incoming, first-year students may receive the grant for a maximum of eight regular (fall/spring) semesters or until graduation — whichever comes first. Incoming, transfer students may receive the grant for a maximum of five regular (fall/spring) semesters or until graduation — whichever comes first. If an incoming, transfer student additionally qualifies for a merit-based scholarship, they may receive the 夜色王朝Opportunity Award for up to six regular (fall/spring) semesters or until graduation — whichever comes first.
  • Selection: Must submit the and .
  • Maintaining eligibility: Must maintain enrollment of 12 or more hours each term. This aid program is not guaranteed each year.

Access 夜色王朝Scholarship

A University-funded, need-based  aid program to help undergraduate students pursue their education at SMU.

  • Aid amount: Varies each year based on student's reported need and other aid being received. If additional aid is received after the Access 夜色王朝Scholarship is initially calculated, the Access 夜色王朝Scholarship will be reduced.  For example, if a student is determined to be eligible for a $20,000 Access 夜色王朝Scholarship, and we are later informed they will be receiving a $10,000 scholarship from their academic department, the Access 夜色王朝Scholarship will be reduced by $10,000.
  • Duration of aid: Incoming, first year students may receive the scholarship for a maximum of eight regular (fall/spring) semesters or until graduation.
  • Selection: Must be a Texas resident, submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile, be receiving an 夜色王朝merit-based scholarship as determined by Admission, and be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.
  • Maintaining eligibility: Must maintain enrollment of 12 or more hours each term. This aid program is not guaranteed each year.

Federal

Federal Pell Grant

For undergraduate students pursuing their first Bachelor's degree, this federally funded, need-based grant helps make college more affordable.

  • Aid amount: Up to $7,395 for the 2025-2026 aid year.
  • Selection: Must submit the . Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
  • Maintaining eligibility: Must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Learn more on our Federal Pell Grant page. 

夜色王朝School Codes

The FAFSA school code is 003613, and the CSS Profile code is 6660. Get a step-by-step guide on how to maximize your eligibility for financial aid on this page: How to Apply for Financial Aid.

 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

For undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, this federally-funded grant helps make college more affordable. 

  • Aid amount: Up to $2,000 per academic year, depending on several factors.
  • Selection: Must submit the FAFSA. Students with the greatest financial need who receive Federal Pell Grants will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis as this is a limited-funded program. Must be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen. 
  • Maintaining eligibility: Must be enrolled at least half time in an undergraduate degree program.

State

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)

For students with financial need, this state-funded grant helps students attend private colleges and universities in Texas.

  • Aid amount: Amount varies each year and is determined by the Texas Legislature. For the 2025-26 aid year, undergraduate students and graduate students may qualify for up to $3,873 depending on availability of funds. Undergraduate students with exceptional need (as defined by the Texas Legislature) may qualify for up to $5,810 depending on availability of funds.
  • Selection: This grant is distributed based on need with undergraduate students taking first priority. Must submit the FAFSA or TASFA and be a Texas resident. Theology programs leading to preaching licensure are not eligible.
  • Maintaining eligibility: First-year recipients must meet SMU's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy in order to continue receiving the grant, plus additional academic requirements. 

Learn more on our Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) page.