The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is an award made by the school (Campus-Based Aid) from limited funds provided by the federal government. The SEOG must be awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need (that is, students with the lowest EFC) and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. The SEOG does not have to be repaid.

The student must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year he or she plans to attend, prior to the SIUC April 1st priority deadline date. (See full instructions under Federal Pell Grant)

An undergraduate student is eligible to be considered for the SEOG if they have a valid EFC on file in the Financial Aid Office by the deadline date, are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant, and are determined to have exceptional financial need. Students who have been chosen to complete the verification process (through which information on the FAFSA is verified as accurate by the Financial Aid Office) must complete the verification process before any federal or state financial aid is processed.

Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need, who have met the basic criteria and the April 1st priority deadline, and have a packaging need greater than $8,435 after the Estimated Family Contribution, Veterans benefits and other aid excluding loans & Federal-Work-Study may be awarded SEOG funds.

SEOG awards at SIUC generally range from $500 to $2,500. Half of the award is provided in the fall semester and half in the spring semester.