Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

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One may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if

  • they are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of their Expected Family Contribution but
  • meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, and
  • their 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, and
  • they were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of their parent or guardian’s death.

Students start by processing a FAFSA form. FAFSA results will be reviewed, and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education via a FAFSA IASG comment code, will determine potential eligibility for an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

If deemed eligible, the grant award is equal to the amount of a maximum Federal Pell Grant for the academic year but cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance for that award year. For the 2023–2024 award year (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024), the maximum Federal Pell Grant award will be $7,395.

As required by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (the sequester law), award amounts for any Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant that is first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2020 and before Oct. 1, 2022 must be reduced by 5.7 percent from the award amount for which a recipient would otherwise have been entitled. For example:

  • For any 2020–21 Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2020 and before Oct. 1, 2021, the statutory maximum award amount of $6,435 is reduced by 5.7 percent ($361.66), resulting in a maximum award of $5,983.34.

  • For any 2021–22 Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2021, and before Oct. 1, 2022, the statutory maximum award amount of $6,495 is reduced by 5.7 percent ($370.21), resulting in a maximum award of $6,124.79.

The payment procedures are the same as those for the Federal Pell Grant.

Once the student has earned a baccalaureate degree or a first professional degree or have used up all 12 semesters of your eligibility, they are no longer eligible to receive an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.