- demonstrate financial need.
- be accepted to Christopher Newport University as a classified, degree-seeking student.
- be enrolled at CNU. If you are enrolled in at least 12 hours, you may receive a full financial aid award. If you are enrolled less than full-time, you may receive a partial award.
- make Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- be a US citizen, permanent resident of the United States or its trust territories, or an eligible noncitizen.
- not be in default on any student loan, or owe a refund on financial aid received while attending any institution.
- have a valid Social Security Number.
- be registered with the Selective Service if required.
Christopher Newport University participates in four federal grant programs:
- Federal Pell Grant: A need-based federal grant administered by CNU. Awards are determined by the Department of Education. Students who already have a Bachelor's degree are not eligible for Pell Grants.
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant: A federally-funded grant available to students who have not yet earned their first baccalaureate degree. Students must demonstrate exceptional financial need to receive FSEOG.
- The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) was established to recognize rigorous programs of study for needy students in their first and second years of study. The awards are $750 for first year students and $1,300 for second year students. The ACG grant is available to Pell Grant-eligible students who meet the following criteria:
- Full-time student
- Citizen of the United States
- Have completed high school after January 1, 2006 for first year or January 1, 2005 for second year
- Completed a rigorous high school program as defined by the Department of Education
- Enrolled in a degree-seeking program
- Have earned 0-23 credit hours for first year grant and 24-47 for second year grant
- Have not been enrolled in a previous program of undergraduate studies
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 after first academic year (24 credit hours earned) of attendance
- The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) grant was created for third and fourth year needy students who are majoring in mathematics, science, technology, engineering or critical foreign languages. Awards are $4,000 per year, for two years only. The SMART grant is available to Pell Grant-eligible students who meet the following criteria:
- Full-time student
- Citizen of the United States
- Enrolled at a four year degree-granting institution
- Have earned between 24 and 96 credit hours for two years only
- Major in physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology or a critical foreign language as defined by the Department of Education
- Have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
- Eligibility is reviewed each semester
Several state grants are also available to undergraduate students who are determined to be Virginia residents and who have not received a bachelor's degree:
- College Scholarship Assistance Program: (CSAP) is available to Virginia residents who demonstrate the greatest financial need.
- Virginia Commonwealth Award: A state grant available to students enrolled at least half-time.
- Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program: (VGAP) is awarded to Virginia residents who graduate from a Virginia high school with a 2.50 or higher grade point average. Students must attend CNU on a full-time basis, and must maintain a 2.00 GPA to be considered for the grant in future years.
- Higher Education Teacher Assistance Program: (HETAP) is available to Virginia residents who demonstrate great financial need and who are pursuing a degree in education.
Grants are based on Congressional or State allocations and funds are limited. Students are strongly encouraged to meet the Priority Consideration Date of March 1 to be considered for federal and state grants. Although every effort is made to meet the needs of all students, the Financial Aid Office cannot guarantee that grant funds, except Pell, ACG, and SMART Grant funds, will be available for students who fail to meet the Priority Consideration Date.
