Students must complete their financial aid application to be considered for federal grants.

These federal grants are awarded to students with high financial need. After a review of your financial aid application, the College determines your eligibility for these grants.

Federal Pell Grant is a need-based undergraduate aid program. Federal eligibility for this grant is based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the College’s review of your FAFSA  and other application materials (such as tax returns). For 2021-2022, Federal Pell Grant recipients may be awarded from $661 to $6,495. Changes in Pell Grant eligibility could impact your eligibility for other need-based grants and scholarships.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Students with exceptional financial need who qualify for Pell Grants are given priority for FSEOG funds. Recipients are awarded about $3,000.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is awarded to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. To be eligible, students must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent/guardian’s death.

  • If not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant—if you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant because your EFC is too high, you may receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant up to the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount for the year ($6,495 for 2021-2022).
  • If eligible for a Federal Pell Grant—if you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, but are receiving less than the maximum amount, you may be eligible for an increase in your Federal Pell Grant. Instead of receiving the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant, your Federal Pell Grant will be increased to the maximum amount for the year ($6,495 for 2021-2022). If you are already receiving the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount, you are not eligible for additional funds.
Contact Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid

AGC Room 119
Occidental College
1600 Campus Road F-35
Los Angeles, CA 90041-3314