Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG)

The Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG) is a need-based grant for low-income, college-ready students attending a community college or state college within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The 2015 Nevada Legislature created the program under Senate Bill 227.¹

Who is eligible for the Silver State Opportunity Grant?

A student must meet all of the following requirements:¹

1. Be enrolled in a program of study that leads to a degree or certificate.
2. Enroll in at least 12 credit hours that apply to the chosen program of study.
3. Be college-ready in mathematics and English, based on placement or completion of entry-level college courses.
4. Be classified as a resident for tuition purposes.
5. Meet the institution’s Title IV satisfactory academic progress requirements.
6. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 8,500 or less.
7. Not have previously earned a bachelor’s degree.

A student who is prohibited by law from completing the FAFSA may contact the financial aid office at the institution the student plans to attend.

Eligible institutions are the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Nevada State University, Truckee Meadows Community College and Western Nevada College.

How much is the Silver State Opportunity Grant?

The award equals the total cost of attendance less the student contribution, the SAI and federal awards received. Federal awards include the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and the federal TEACH Grant. The remaining amount, up to $5,500 annually, is the SSOG award.¹

The maximum annual award for a student enrolled in 12 credits in each of two semesters is $4,400. Awards for students enrolled in fewer than 15 credits per semester are prorated.

How are Silver State Opportunity Grant awards prioritized?

Funding is limited. Awards are made in the following order of priority, and within each group in ascending order of SAI, from -1,500 up to 8,500, until funds are exhausted:¹

1. Students enrolled in at least 15 credits.
2. Students enrolled in fewer than 15 credits who are in their final semester before graduation.
3. Other students enrolled in 12 or more credits.

How to apply for the Silver State Opportunity Grant?

An applicant applies by completing the FAFSA, or an alternate application provided by the institution. NSHE does not describe a separate SSOG application. Early completion each year is encouraged.¹

A recipient remains eligible for later semesters while meeting Title IV satisfactory academic progress requirements. SSOG awards are made annually, and continued eligibility does not guarantee an award in a later year.

Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE)