Federal Pell Grant
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So what's new this year? A simplified form, no minimum enrollment hours, a higher income allowance for the maximum award, fall, spring, and summer terms allowed, and of course an increase in the award amounts, themselves. Learn about the 2010-2011 federal grant changes.
Here is all the information you need- The headlines go to pages with more about each topic:
What is a Pell Grant?
This page gives you an overview of the grant program- what its' purpose is, some background on what it used to be like, what it can do for you now and where its going in the future. More students receive these awards than ever before. And most importantly, it can qualify you for other financial aid programs as well. Colleges and states rely on this program to help them decide how to apportion their own aid.Pell Grant Eligibility
This explains who is actually eligible to apply. Before income qualifications are even considered, what are the prerequisites? Does your situation meet the standards for federal grants for college? How is eligibility documented and checked? What changes are likely to be made to the program as far as eligibility? (Most students are eligible for consideration, but its best to check and make sure.)Pell Grant Qualifications
These are the guidelines for financial need that will determine whether or not you will get an award, and how much of an award you will get. There is a different FAFSA formula for each type of student looking for college financial aid. Income is not the only consideration, although it has always played a large role. What are the circumstances that can minimize its importance? Find out.Pell Grant Amounts
A look at the actual numbers for the awards...What is the maximum amount? What is the minimum amount? What is the average amount that students will get in 2010-2011?Also, what will these awards look in the future- how are the amounts going to change in the next couple of years? And a look at how these grants got to their present levels.
Pell Grant Application
These are the important facts you need to know about how to apply for free grants (online), as well as tips to improve your chances for an award. There are links to help you find out your FAFSA deadline, to download a printable FAFSA application and of course one to the online FAFSA forms. Contact information for free assistance in filling out the application is also included. But actually filling out the form is not the hardest part- planning your finances in advance to get the best result, is.Pell Grant Form
This page is a walk-through of the actual online application. The information required for each of its seven parts is detailed here, so that you know what to expect before you start. The 2010-2011 form is significantly different than earlier versions. The questions you are asked depend on your previous answers, so that this form is not actually the same for everyone.But for anyone, it is the shortest, easiest FAFSA that has ever been required.
Pell Grant Calculator
This calculator uses the latest 2010 formula which the U.S. Department of Education uses to figure out awards. It takes into account all the changes that have been made this year (so far!). You can use it to check which amounts you might qualify for at different schools- provided you know your FAFSA EFC (expected family contribution), the expected cost of attendance (COA) and the enrollment status you intend to use.Pell Grant Requirements
After you get your award, you are expected to meet these standards so that your money is not reduced during the year and so that you can continue to get awards for each school year you have financial need. (You need to reapply every year for any federal money.) Find out how this program compares with other federal ones in its requirements. This is the one area in which no changes have been proposed yet, but its a good idea to become familiar with what you need to accomplish in advance, so there are no surprises.Federal Pell Grant Eligibility...Two Awards in One Year
This is a fairly new development that allows you to collect up to double your first award within the same school year. It can be especially useful for nontraditional students who have jobs or family obligations, and are hesitating about whether to go back to school. Once you've qualified for the basic award, see if you meet the requirements for a second one so that you can get your degree faster, without spending more money out-of-pocket.There are now even more changes to this program as Congress has passed and President Obama has signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. Maximum income requirements have been raised for the 2010-2011 school year, so that more students will qualify for the grant. Amounts will be increased starting in 2013 to reflect annual changes in the Consumer Price Index. This will ensure that the award amounts will continue to grow each year, beyond the 2010-2011 maximum.
Although this law does not increase the total amount by what was originally proposed, it establishes the principle that increases should occur automatically each year.
It is important to note that the packaging of financial aid starts with your federal Pell grant. This grant cannot be reduced because of other aid, whether military, state, institutional or private. It is your other financial student aid (loans, state grants, scholarship awards) which can be reduced if the amounts add up to more than the cost of attendance.
In this recession cycle, this program can be your key to education and retraining if you are an older student. If you are just coming out of high school, it can make the difference in what you decide to do with your life. Pell grants make college possible for so many students in so many different situations. Even if you think its hopeless, apply anyway.
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