University, Federal & State Grants

Grant assistance is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Students do not need to work for or repay grants. Grants are commonly referred to as "gift aid."

Carnegie Mellon Undergraduate Grant

A Carnegie Mellon Undergraduate Grant is awarded by Carnegie Mellon to incoming students who have financial need. Students who complete and submit the following financial aid documents are considered for this grant: FAFSA, CSS Profile, signed copies of student and parent Federal Income Tax Returns, IRS Tax Return Transcripts (if required), student and parent W-2 Wage and Tax Statements, Partnership Schedule K-1 from Form 1065 (if required), and/or IRS Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income) (if required).

Dependents of Carnegie Mellon employees who qualify for tuition remission are not eligible for a Carnegie Mellon Undergraduate Grant. 

Federal Grants

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the federal government to students with high financial need. Students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant after their aid package is determined, will notice a dollar-for-dollar reduction to their Carnegie Mellon need-based grant funds.

A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)  is for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need. Carnegie Mellon usually awards these grants to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant. If there is a change in Federal SEOG eligibility, a dollar-for-dollar adjustment to the student's Carnegie Mellon need-based grant funds will occur.

State Grants

Some states, including the state of Pennsylvania, provide educational grants to their residents who demonstrate need. View a complete list of participating states.

Upon notification from any state agency of a student's eligibility, Carnegie Mellon will modify the student's financial aid package to reduce Carnegie Mellon need-based grant funds dollar-for-dollar.