SEED through Del Tech
College tuition doesn't always fit into every budget, and finances sometimes keep good students from going to college. That's why the SEED (Student Excellence Equals Degree) Scholarship program was started. If you attend a Delaware high school, keep your grades up and stay out of trouble, you can go to Delaware Tech tuition-free.*
If you thought college wasn't in your future, think again. This changes everything!
*Course fees and books are not covered by the SEED Scholarship.
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SEED through the UD Associate of Arts Program
The Delaware SEED Scholarship Program is offered by the State of Delaware and covers tuition for full-time students enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program. SEED Scholarships are granted to Delaware residents who graduate from a Delaware high school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, enter directly into the AAP from high school, and have not been convicted of a felony. Enrollment in at least 24 credits per academic year and a 2.5 GPA must be maintained to continue eligibility while in the Associate in Arts Program.
For freshmen who will be entering the Associate in Arts Program, the University of Delaware will award SEED Scholarships to as many eligible students as State funding will allow. In selecting students, UD will give priority to students who have the most financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UD begins reviewing new students in March; it is strongly recommended that families file their FAFSAs (available at www.fafsa.ed.gov) by the end of February for first consideration.
For freshmen who will be entering the Associate in Arts Program, the University of Delaware will award SEED Scholarships to as many eligible students as State funding will allow. In selecting students, UD will give priority to students who have the most financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UD begins reviewing new students in March; it is strongly recommended that families file their FAFSAs (available at www.fafsa.ed.gov) by the end of February for first consideration.
SEED FAQs
- When does the SEED Scholarship Program begin?
The SEED Scholarship Program begins with the fall semester immediately following high school graduation for any high school graduate who has met all eligibility requirements. - Does the SEED Scholarship cover tuition, fees, and books?
The SEED Scholarship covers tuition only after other financial aid received is deducted from the total tuition costs. Fees and books are not covered. - I am a home-schooled student; can I apply?
Yes. Home schooled students must meet the same eligibility requirements as traditionally schooled students in terms of residency, full time status, financial aid, etc. Home schooled students must provide a copy of their transcript. In the event a home-schooled student does not have a transcript, the student is required to provide proof of scoring at least a combined score of 1350 on the new SAT or a composite ACT score of at least 19. - I attend a private high school in Delaware; can I apply?
Yes. Students who are Delaware residents, have graduated from a Delaware high school - both public and private, and meet the eligibility requirements may apply. - I am a James Groves High School graduate; can I apply?
Yes. James Groves High School graduates who meet the other requirements are eligible to apply for the SEED Scholarship. Individuals receiving a GED® from Groves are not eligible for the SEED Scholarship; however, they may be eligible for other forms of financial aid. - I was in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18. Can I apply?
Yes, if you lived in foster care under the jurisdiction of the Department of Services for Children and their Families at ant point in time between the ages of 16 and 18, whether placed within or outside of Delaware, qualify for the SEED Scholarship. You must self-identify to the Financial Aid Office with proof of foster care between the ages of 16 and 18.According to Title 14 Subchapter XIV (3404a, 7b), foster care students do not have to graduate from a Delaware high school, and they do not have to begin studying at the College the fall semester immediately after high school graduate.
Foster care students must start at the College before the age of 25 and make steady progress toward an associate degree within five years. - When should I apply for the SEED Scholarship?
You should submit the Delaware Tech Application for Admission no later than April 1 for priority consideration for the SEED Scholarship. You must submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which is required for SEED Scholarship eligibility. You are required also to submit your final high school transcript by June 30 which will be used to determine if you met the academic requirements associated with the program. Students who do not meet these dates can still be considered for SEED provided funding is available. - What happens if I miss the April 1 priority date? Am I still eligible?
Yes. You are still eligible. Because annual funding at a certain level for the SEED Scholarship Program is subject to approval by the Delaware General Assembly, Delaware Tech must have an established priority process in place in the event the amount of eligible scholarships exceeds the approved funding. Students meeting the April 1 date will be given top priority (Group 1). If you apply after the April 1 date, approval of your scholarship is based on available funding after the awarding of scholarships to Group 1 students and the following criteria in order of priority: (1) Academics/GPA; (2) Demonstrated financial need; and (3) Community service. - What happens if I take a semester off from college after the fall semester?
A student would no longer be eligible for the SEED Scholarship unless granted an exception upon appeal from Delaware Tech's Financial Aid Office. - Are undocumented students eligible for the SEED Scholarship?
Yes. Undocumented students must meet the same eligibility requirements as documented students regarding attendance immediately from high school, academics (GPA), felony convictions and enrollment as a full-time student. To qualify as an undocumented scholarship recipient, the student must have: (a) attended a high school located within the State of Delaware for two or more years; (b) graduated from a Delaware high school; (c) applied for all campus-based financial aid (scholarships, etc.) for which they would be eligible; and (d) submit a notarized Tuition Affidavit (available in Delaware Tech's Financial Aid Office) which certifies that the student is an undocumented person and that he/she has filed an application to legalize his/her immigration status or will file an application to legalize his/her application status as soon as he/she is eligible. - Do I have to take advantage of the SEED Scholarship directly out of high school?
Yes. You must be admitted to and attend classes on a full-time basis at Delaware Tech or in the Associate of Arts degree program of the University of Delaware no later than the fall semester immediately after his/her graduation from a Delaware public or non-public high school. - Is there an appeal process for students who cannot attend Delaware Tech the Fall semester after graduation, due to military service or a medical condition?
Yes. A student who cannot attend the Fall semester immediately after graduation from a Delaware public or Delaware non-public high school due to extenuating circumstances such as military service or a medical condition may request an appeal through the campus Financial Aid Office. The appeal process requires a written statement from the student and documentation of the extenuating circumstance. This process shall be administered under the direction of the vice president for finance. The student will be notified in writing of the appeal process decision. - Do I have to attend full-time (12 credits or more) and declare a major to be eligible for the SEED Scholarship?
Yes. You must be enrolled on a full-time basis (12 credits or more) for the first semester following high school graduation and declare a degree technology to be eligible for the SEED Scholarship.The only time a SEED Scholarship recipient must be full-time, to receive SEED payment, is the first semester following high school graduation. After the initial fall semester, you can take fewer than 12 credits, but you must have 24 credits and cumulative 2.5 grade point average at the end of the summer semester to receive the scholarship during the following year. Students are not required to enroll full-time during the summer semester. - How do I apply for the SEED Scholarship?
You apply for the SEED Scholarship by completing the Delaware Tech Application for Admission (hyperlink to application) no later than April 1 of your senior year of high school. You may also obtain a brochure from your high school guidance counselor or any Delaware Tech Admissions or Financial Aid Office. You must apply for Financial Aid by completing and submitting the FAFSA form no later than April 1 for priority awarding. - What does my cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) need to be?
Your cumulative GPA must be 80 percent or higher on a 100 point scale, a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a C+ for those schools awarding letter grades. - What cumulative grade point average (GPA) must I maintain once I am a student at Delaware Tech?
You must maintain a 2.5 SEED cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the end of each academic year. The SEED cumulative GPA is based off all credits attempted, including developmental and English as a Second Language classes. The SEED cumulative GPA will be reviewed for compliance at the end of each summer semester. - Do I have to apply for financial aid even though I know I will not qualify to receive such aid?
Yes. Applying for all forms of financial aid for which the student qualifies is an eligibility requirement for all SEED Scholarship applicants. Applying for financial aid can be accomplished by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov by the April 1 priority date. - What is the deadline date for applying for financial aid for the Delaware SEED Scholarship?
Students should submit the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.gov no later than April 1. - How will I know if I have been awarded the Delaware SEED Scholarship?
Once you complete your Application for Admission, FAFSA, and any additional requirements for financial aid, you will be awarded SEED. Verification of SEED is determined after your final official high school transcript is received. - I have a felony charge pending against me; can I apply?
Students who have felony charges pending against them must sign a certification stating that they will notify the appropriate Delaware Tech Financial Aid Office if they are convicted. Students convicted of a felony will no longer be eligible for the SEED Scholarship. - How many credit hours toward an associate degree must I successfully complete during an academic year?
A student must make steady academic progress toward an associate degree, earning no fewer than 24 credit hours required for full-time status in each academic year. - What will happen if I do not successfully complete 24 credit hours and obtain a cumulative 2.5 GPA prior to the end of the spring semester?
If you have not successfully completed 24 credit hours and obtained a cumulative 2.5 GPA by the end of the spring semester, you must successfully complete the remaining credit hours needed during the summer semester; the courses that are not repetitive will be paid for by the SEED Scholarship Program. Students must obtain 24 credits and a SEED cumulative 2.5 GPA by the end of the summer semester, to maintain eligibility for the SEED Scholarship during the next academic year. Students are not required to enroll full-time during the summer semester. - Can I take courses in the summer semester if I have successfully completed the required 24 credit hours and obtained a cumulative 2.5 GPA prior to the end of the spring semester?
Yes. If you have successfully completed 24 credit hours and obtained a cumulative 2.5 GPA by the end of the spring semester, the student can take courses during the summer semester; the courses that are not repetitive will be paid for by the SEED Scholarship Program. You must maintain a minimum SEED cumulative GPA of 2.5 to remain eligible for SEED. - Do I have to apply for financial aid every year that I receive the SEED Scholarship?
Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be submitted by April 1 each year for priority awarding, it can be completed by visiting www.fafsa.gov. If requested, supplemental documentation must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by May 1 each year. - If I have met all eligibility requirements and am enrolled for 12 credit hours, if one course is a basic course, am I eligible for the SEED Scholarship?
Yes. - How many semesters can I receive the SEED Scholarship?You are eligible to participate in this program for six (6) continuous semesters, not including the summer semester. This is the equivalent of three academic years.
- Must I submit the required certification each year that I have not been convicted of a felony?
No, but if you are convicted of a felony while receiving the SEED scholarship, you must inform the Financial Aid Office. - What happens if I do not pass a course and must repeat it?
The SEED Scholarship does not provide payment for courses that are repeated. - Can the SEED Scholarship pay for courses taken in addition to the requirements for completion of my associate degree?
No. The SEED Scholarship does not provide payment for courses taken in addition to the requirements for completion of an associate degree. Students who complete all the courses to receive an associate degree in less than three academic years (6 semesters) cannot receive SEED for additional coursework. - Do I have to re-apply for the SEED Scholarship each year?
No. The SEED scholarship will be renewed automatically. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be submitted by April 1 each year for priority awarding, it can be completed by visiting www.fafsa.gov - Does the Scholarship Program allow for academic accommodations for disabilities?
Yes. Students who disclose a disability, in which the nature and extent of the disability prevents the student from being able to take 12 credit hours per semester, may be granted half-time status as a reasonable accommodation. This may include, but is not limited to, specific psychiatric impairments and/or limited medical conditions. Students must carry six (6) credit hours per semester and are held to all other standards as required in the scholarship program. Students requesting special academic accommodations under this scholarship program must submit appropriate medical documentation to support their need for reasonable accommodations and seek approval from the Campus Disabilities Services Office prior to registration.Students granted the SEED scholarship based on six credit hour accommodation will also be granted the scholarship for six (6) semesters. (refer to question #26) - If I receive financial aid not specifically designated for tuition and fees, will it reduce the amount of my SEED Scholarship?
No. Only financial aid specifically designated for tuition and fees will be used to reduce the amount of the grant awarded under this scholarship program. - I am applying to a competitive admissions program. What happens if there is a delay between the time I complete all of the courses required for application and major support courses and the time I am offered a seat in the program?
You must provide a written request to the Financial Aid Office along with verification from your program advisor or department chair that there are no additional classes you may take at this time. If your request is granted, your SEED Scholarship will be placed on hold. In order for your SEED to be reactivated, you are responsible for informing the Financial Aid Office once you accept a seat in the program. You may not put your SEED on hold if you are continuing your enrollment to complete the requirements for the associate of science degree or any other purpose.
