Can pell grant money be used for a place to live in addition to school tuition?

by ginger
(alabama)

My nephew got a Pell grant for school this next year. Besides paying for tuition, books, can the remainder be used for a place for him to live?

ANSWER:

Yes, housing is an allowable expense for any type of federal financial aid. It is figured into the student's cost of attendance, which is part of how the Department of Education determines Pell grant awards.

Your nephew's school assigned a value for his housing (whether he is living on-campus or off-campus). If he is living on-campus, it is the standard amount that all students are charged for that type of housing by the school.

If he lives at home, the school will figure a reasonable average amount (usually based on local housing costs). Pell costs are always figured as for a full-time student going to school for a full academic year.

In addition to tuition, fees, supplies for coursework, books, and room and board, the Pell grant can also be used for transportation, "miscellaneous personal expenses" and even dependent care.