ACG and SMART Grants

The Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (ACG) and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) make funds available for low-income college students who meet general Pell Grant program guidelines, as well as additional specified criteria as outlined below. ACG is awarded to first- and second-year college students who have successfully completed a rigorous secondary school program, while SMART grants are awarded to third- and fourth-year college students who major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages.

Not all students receiving Pell Grants are eligible for ACG or SMART Grants. Based on the additional eligibility requirements, the Federal Government estimates that less than forty percent of Pell Grant-eligible students will be eligible for an ACG or SMART Grant. As with all programs, funding is limited and subject to change. The Financial Aid Office reviews student eligibility for these grant funds and notifies students through their eFAN (Financial Aid Notice) as they become eligible.

The Department of Education has specified majors that students must be studying in order to be eligible for SMART grants. If a student's major does not meet the Department of Education specifications even though they meet other criteria, we are unable to fundthe student with SMART grant. Here is a list of majors specified by Department of Education which can then be compared to the majors that are offered at UC Davis that meet the criteria.

ACG and SMART Grant Eligibility Criteria:

Students can receive only one grant per grade level, and must meet eligibility and unit requirements to qualify for the grant each year. You must maintain eligibility criteria in order to receive the grant from one quarter to the next.

    ACG - 1st year (up to $750)
    • Pell eligible
    • U.S. Citizen
    • Completion of rigorous high school curriculum
    • Full time
    • 1st year: to be eligible should be within 0-44.5 unit range
    ACG - 2nd year (up to $1300)
    • Pell eligible
    • U.S. Citizen
    • 3.0 GPA
    • Full time
    • 2nd year: to be eligible should be within 45-89.5 unit range
    SMART - 3rd/4th year (up to $4000)
    • Pell eligible
    • U.S. Citizen
    • Specific Majors (i.e., computer science, foreign languages, mathematics)
    • Full time
    • 3.0 GPA at the time of each disbursement
    • 3rd year: to be eligible should be within 90-134.5 unit range
    • 4th Year: to be eligible should be within 135-185 unit range