The Pell Grant Guide

Are you searching for college grants? Do you need money for school? If you answer yes, then you should consider applying for the free Federal Pell Grant*.

The program has assisted numerous students who needed money for college, and you can easily apply to become one of them. Before you start, you must know what the program is all about, including the eligibility requirements, grant limits, and set deadlines.

In this all-encompassing Pell Grant guide, you will learn about all three elements of the program, so you are successfully equipt to apply for the Pell Grant.

About The Pell Grant

The Pell grant is a federal aid program that offers to fund college expenses for qualifying undergraduates. The government provides this money to applicable students who can display financial need, and unlike loans, it doesn’t have to be repaid.

Eligibility & Application Process

Your eligibility to partake in the Pell Grant program is determined by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. To complete this application, you must meet the following qualifications:

• Documentation of financial need: Your financial need is determined by the US Department of Education, using information such as financial responsibilities, total household income, and additional assets.
• Citizenship: The Grants are awarded to US citizens and eligible non-US citizens who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time or a part-time student for an acceptable degree or certificate.
• Clean Record: Being a noble citizen is also an eligibility requirement, for a poor legal history including arrests or other offenses can be used to deny you from participating in the program.
• School Partnership: If you are planning for college, you should find out whether or not your preferred institution participates in the annual Pell Grant program. There are thousands of participating schools, and a quick phone call to your college of choice will give you all the information you need.

However, those who lost a parent in military duty or have intellectual limitations can also qualify for the Pell Grant, regardless of their financial status.

Remember that there is no separate application form for Pell grant, and since the FAFSA avails you to numerous student grants- you should ensure that you put quality time into filling it out.

Submission Deadline

Its extremely important for you to know the deadlines for the Pell grant application, as you may miss grant opportunities for that school year if you fail to apply within the stipulated time.

The deadline for the 2018 – 2019 academic cycle is June 30, 2019. However, it’s pertinent to note that some schools and states have their own cut off dates, which may be earlier. As a cautionary guide, it is recommended that you contact your preferred institution to find out more.

Amount Awarded

The amount of grant you will get is dependent on your financial needs and several other factors, including estimated family contribution, tuition fees, and your program type (full-time or part-time). The maximum Pell grant awarded for the 2016-2017 school year was $5,815, while the highest paid out in the 2021-2022 academic year is $6,495.

You can look through the Pell Grant disbursement schedule on the FAFSA website to get more information about grant range.

Receiving Funds

Once you are an enrolled undergraduate student, you will be notified of your Pell Grant acceptance status via mail. The award letter will outline the financial aid package you will receive for one year, as well as additional information.  The funds awarded to you will then be used to cover fees such as registration costs, tuition, lodging, and other school-related expenses. If this system of payment does not fit an individual’s situation, then they may also be awarded via direct deposit or choose to adopt both methods.

Additional Funds

If the Pell grant will be insufficient to cover your expenses and you need more money for college, then you should consider applying for federal or private student loans.

Conclusively, having the right information and taking prompt action is essential to benefit from the federal aid program. The information listed on this Pell grant guide will lead you through the whole process.

Additional REsources