Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) Designation
The Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) designation is overseen and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, specifically through the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE).
The SIP (authorized under Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act) provides discretionary grants to eligible Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These grants help colleges and universities expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve their academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.
To qualify for the SIP designation, an institution must meet two primary benchmarks:
Enrollment of Needy Students: The institution must have a high percentage of students receiving need-based financial aid, such as Federal Pell Grants.
Low Educational and General (E&G) Expenditures: The institution’s average E&G expenditures per full-time student must be low compared to the average expenditures of similar institutions.
2026 Designation: FY2026 Eligibility Letter (eligibility for a one-year period beginning July 1, 2026)