Federal Pell Grant
|
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.
Here is all the information you need- click on any headline for more about that 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 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.
There are likely to be even more changes to this program as President Obama has proposed (and Congress will probably pass) to fund grants semi-automatically. This will ensure that the award amounts will continue to grow each year, beyond what they would if things stayed the way they are now.
Important reforms regarding eligibility are also included in this bill. Students who would not have been eligible before will probably be able to apply in the future. More changes to income qualifications are also on the horizon if the FAFSA is simplified further (as has been recommended).
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.
return from Pell grant to college loan consultant homepage
