Understanding Match.
Please remember that AmeriCorps alums seeking to leverage a campus match for their Education Award should work with their campus’s financial aid office to have the match applied. Each campus has individual rules and exclusions about how its match is applied, and matches are not guaranteed. This information is accurate as of Feb 2026.
Matching your Segal Education Award is one way that you can magnify it’s dollar value! Members serving a full year (1700 hour +) are currently receiving a $7395 Education Award. Members can utilize this award to pay off previous loans (in full or installments) or pay for future eligible school costs.
One example:
If you were attending MSU-Billings in the fall of 2026 and wanted to maximize your Segal Education Award, given that they currently provide $1000 annually per Education Award (see previous page for all schools), one option could be to utilize your Ed. Award in smaller installments. First, contact the MSU-Billings financial aid office to verify current rules and make them aware that you are an AmeriCorps alum and will be using your award. Doing this as early as possible is best! It may take time for them to verify the process. Financial aid offices experience turnover too and not everyone is immediately acquainted with the Segal Education Award details. An in-person visit to the financial aid office is always encouraged as well. Don’t be discouraged!
If your plan was to complete four years at MSU-Billings, one option is to stretch your AmeriCorps Ed. Award out into smaller installments. If you received a $7,395 award and you were successfully able to use an education award match each of four years, this match would increase the value from $7,395 to $11,395 over that time period. This additional $4000 of match would pay for another semester of school with a little effort on the front end!
Additionally, don’t forget that many schools offer scholarships for previous service or community engagement work that may include your time with AmeriCorps! A great way to add even more value.
If you have questions or would like to learn more about how you can get involved with our programs and initiatives, we encourage you to reach out to us at info@mtengage.org. Whether you’re interested in upcoming events, seeking resources, or exploring opportunities for collaboration, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re excited to connect with you and support your journey in civic and community engagement.