On my son's FAFSA, it stated he was eligible for $5500.00 in Pell grants. Does he have to attend college full time, or can he take some classes this summer, and then a few this fall? Also, can he use Pell grant money for online classes?
ANSWER:
The amount that is given at the end of the FAFSA is an estimate, only. It probably said that he was eligible for up to $5,500 (or maybe $5,550? That is the maximum award for an EFC of "0".) The number they used was for attending school full-time, with a cost of attendance of $5,550 or more. If your son registers for three-quarters, half, or below half-time, the Pell grant awarded would be lower.
As the summer session Pell grant stands now (this will probably be cut next year) only students who have attended school the previous fall and spring (and achieved a minimum of 24 credits) can get a separate summer Pell grant. Your son cannot use the 2011-2012 award for a summer 2011 session.
But finally some good news: The Pell grant can be used for online classes or online schools, as long as the school has been approved for federal student financial aid. There are over 6,000 schools that are approved for the Pell grant. The FAFSA school codes list is an easy way to check to see if a school is approved.
