What is the Pell grant?
Although most people think the Pell Grant is a scholarship,on the contrary it is not. The Pell Grant is an educational grant provided by the federal government awarded on an annual basis. Those that are awarded the Pell Grant does not need to pay back the government. Pell Grant eligibility is directly associated with financial need.
Who it is for?
Pell Grant eligibility requires an applicant to be a U.S. Citizen,a U.S. National or an eligible non-citizen. Students must also have acquired a valid social security number. A student cannot be a convict in a federal prison nor should have charges for illegal possession of drugs while receiving the grant.
Students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree,professional degree or associate degree qualify for the grant. Eligibility does not stop for those who are in college since applicants pursuing certificate and diploma programs can also take their chance. Students with higher academic goals such as post graduate degrees are also encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
In order to start the application process,a student needs to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.A student has different options to get a FAFSA form and start the application process.
1. An application form can be requested over the phone by calling the government hotline.The requested document will be sent through regular mail and needs to be filled out and sent back the concerned address.
2. A printed out version of the form can be filled out and mailed regularly to an indicated address.
3. Easily fill out and submit the FAFSA form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov Log on to www.fafsa.ed.gov and follow an online submission process.
Applying online is the easiest,fastest and most convenient method of application. The government itself prefers online applicants since information travels faster and thus makes evaluation easier.
Get Approved
The Pell Grant is a type of federal aid designated for low earning students. Applicants must belong to a family whose earnings do not top $50,000 a year. To fall under Pell Grant Eligibility,a student’s Financial Need must qualify. Financial Need is derived from two factors,
Financial Need = Cost of attendance (C0A) –Expected family contribution
The FAFSA form contains items that are relevant to the determination of expected family contribution. Positive financial need is required to qualify for the grant. If a student’s financial need is higher than $5000,he has a good chance of qualifying for the federal grant.
