Federal Pell Grant Eligibility

For those with Federal Pell Grant eligibility, taking advantage of this opportunity may be the route to go in funding your education. You do not have to repay these grants. Undergraduate students, without a previous degree, may qualify.

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To receive a Pell Grant, individuals do not have to meet stringent guidelines. Any individual may apply who is an undergraduate or vocational student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a participating school. These grants specifically target those who are from need-based situations. This includes low-income undergraduates. Some post-baccalaureate students may qualify as well. Post-baccalaureate students may use these funds to pursue postsecondary education. Those who receive Pell Grants may use them only at approved schools. More than 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions qualify for the grant use. Contact your school’s financial aid department to find out if they participate in the Federal Pell Grant program. The amount of the Pell Grant award is dependent on several factors:

• The cost of attendance at the school, as determined by the institution itself
• The student’s expected family contribution (EFC)
• The student’s enrollment status, full-time or part-time enrollment may qualify
• How long the student attends school, including whether the student attends for a full academic year or not

The maximum award amount goes to students who have a parent or guardian who has died because of serving in the Armed Services in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001. In order to qualify to receive this maximum award opportunity, students need to be less than 24 years old or must be enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of their parent or guardian’s death.

Pell Grants are a good option for many students who would otherwise be unable to afford their education. Several key points should be in mind prior to applying for these federal grants for education:

• Students using Pell Grants may only use the funds for one school at a time. Those enrolled in two schools may select the participating school to use the grants.
• The U.S. Department of Education determines financial need based on a standard formula. The department uses the information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine this eligibility.
• Post-baccalaureate programs that lead to teaching certification or licensing may qualify.
• Federal Pell Grant awards go directly to the school, not to the student. The school then decides if it will apply the funds directly to the student’s account, pay the student directly or use a combination of these methods.
• Students owed money through the Federal Pell grant award will receive funds at least one time per term, semester, trimester or quarter by the school.
• The maximum amount a student may receive through a Pell Grant may change from year to year. For the 2009 to 2010 school year, the maximum award is $5,350.

Individuals who believe they are eligible for Pell Grants may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You may do this through your school’s financial aid office or through the organization’s website at FAFSA.ed.gov.

After filing an application, students may need to wait several weeks to receive information about the award. This information generally comes directly from the school’s financial aid office. At that time, the school will also inform students about how and when they will receive the funds. Unless otherwise stated by the school, funds go out two times per year. As a foundational type of government grant, the federal Pell Grant is one of the most commonly applied for by students entering or continuing their education. Since students do not have to repay these funds, there is no reason not to apply if you are in a financial need situation. If you need the Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, fill out an application to start the process.

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