Among the myriad of grants that students can apply for, the Federal Pell Grant is one type of federal financial aid college students should be aware of if their financial need is high. Unlike a loan, a grant does not need to be repaid. This is one reason why grants are a much better long term option for students. This specific type of grant provides need-based income to low-income undergraduate students. No student should be denied the opportunity to go to college because of financial problems, and this grant allows students to access funds for college.
Federal Pell Grant Basic Information
The Federal Pell Grant is just one of the many types of federal financial aid available for college students. These grants are preferable for many students because:
- They don’t need to be repaid.
- The amount college students receive depends on their financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
- The maximum Federal Pell Grant for the July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012 year was $5,550.
- As of July 1, 2012, college students can only receive the Federal Pell Grant for 12 semesters.
- If a college student’s parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, they may be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funds.
Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Requirements
Federal financial aid often has specific requirements that need to be met, and the Federal Pell Grant is no exception. College students need the following to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. They must:
- Be an undergraduate or vocational student enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a participating school.
- Not have earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Be registered with Selective Service (if the student is male).
- Complete the FAFSA and sign statements on the FAFSA that:
- They are not in default on a federal student loan.
- They will use federal financial aid only for educational purposes.
Want more information about federal financial aid options available for college students? Come to my next Tackling the Runaway Costs of College workshop to learn more!
This Money for College blog was written by Beatrice Schultz of Westface College Planning. For more Money for College tips, sign up for a free College Funding workshop or webinar.