**GAO-09-343**                      Published: Mar 25, 2009. Publicly Released: Mar 25, 2009.                  

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## Highlights

The Academic Competitiveness (AC) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants were established by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. The grants provide merit-based financial aid to certain low-income college students eligible for Federal Pell Grants and are administered by the Department of Education (Education). In the first year of implementation, participation was lower than expected. GAO was asked to determine (1) factors affecting AC and SMART Grant student participation; (2) challenges colleges face in administering the grant programs; and (3) the extent to which Education has assisted states and colleges with implementation. To address these objectives, GAO analyzed data on AC, SMART, and Pell Grants, and interviewed officials from Education and 12 state education agencies, administrators from 42 selected colleges, and several national associations.

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## Topics

Education

AdvertisingAid for educationCollege studentsColleges and universitiesEducationEducational grantsEligibility criteriaFederal aid programsFederal grantsGrant administrationGrantsGrants to statesHigher educationMarketingProgram evaluationRequirements definitionSchool management and organizationSecondary educationSecondary schoolsStudent financial aidStudent loansStudentsEligibility determinationsProgram implementation