There are many different grants for college students, and there are different options for receiving aid. It is important to know the Pell Grant Requirements, so you can find out if you can apply for this aid.
This is a program of the U.S. Department of Education, which will help low-income students pay for college costs. Tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses may be covered, as well as some additional expenses.
What is required to qualify for a Pell Grant?
To apply for this type of aid, students must apply for Federal Student Aid. This is the largest program offered by the Department of Education for students who have not graduated.
This is a program that was created in 1972 and has been benefiting students since the 1973-1974 school year.
Do Pell Grants have to be repaid?
Pell Grants should not normally be repaid, but there are several exceptions. However, students should avoid using the money received in other instances.
Students should view the Pell Grant as a significant part of aid, but it should also be viewed as part of a larger financial aid package. Other forms of aid may include student loans that must be repaid. There is also a federal work-study program, which requires students to work for a certain level of time.
To qualify for this type of aid, the FAFSA must be completed and submitted, including income and the number of children enrolled in college. This will determine the number of students who are expected to receive aid.
How much is the Benefit?
The amount of the Pell Grant will depend on the student’s enrollment status, EFC, the cost of attendance at the institution, and whether the student will attend the entire academic year or less. Institutions will use a table from the Department of Education, which is updated on an annual basis. This will calculate the student’s scholarship each year based on these factors.
To continue receiving funds, the FAFSA must be submitted annually. The information may change from year to year, or the student’s conditions may change, resulting in different award amounts.
The grant may cover the full cost of attending a community college. The actual impact of this grant will depend on the college the student attends.
Are taxes due for receiving this scholarship?
There is a non-taxable amount that will depend on the budget approved by Congress annually.
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, in 2024, the maximum grant was increased by $500.
This means that the maximum that can be earned for the 2023-2024 period is $7,395 and the minimum is $750. In order to qualify, the student can have a maximum EFC of $6,656. The amount is awarded to students for the entire award year.
In the event that the family’s situation changes after filing the FAFSA, such as a parent’s job loss or significant medical expenses, an appeal can be filed. In this way, more financial aid can be obtained and the student may end up receiving a larger scholarship.
Who is eligible for a Pell Grant?
In order for students to be eligible for a Pell Grant, they will have to demonstrate exceptional financial need on the FAFSA. Another requirement is to be a U.S. citizen, and not have received any undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree.
Some students seeking graduate teaching certification may be eligible. On the other hand, if students have been convicted of certain crimes, they will not be eligible for a Pell Grant. However, once the person is released, they may be eligible to apply for the grant.
In the event that students withdraw from courses or do not maintain their enrollment status, students will lose their eligibility. It is also important that students who do not continue to make academic progress will lose eligibility.
The amount of funds students can receive is limited by the federal government, which is equivalent to six years or 12 semesters of scholarships. Previously, students could receive up to 18 semesters of aid, but now it will only be 12 semesters.
What is the application process for these scholarships?
Students will only need to complete the FAFSA, which will determine the student’s eligibility for financial aid. Officials will use the EFC number generated by the form, which will establish the amount of the award.
Unlike other grants and scholarships, Pell Grant funds do not run out within a year. However, it is always best to apply as soon as possible because grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Even many students who believe they will not qualify can apply for a Pell Grant and submit the FAFSA. In this way, you can apply for this aid and qualify for aid in this type of program. It is usually due by June 30 of each year, although some states or institutions have earlier deadlines for the FAFSA.
How is the scholarship disbursement made?
Colleges or universities will distribute Pell Grant funds directly to the student in payments called disbursements. The institution will be reimbursed directly by the federal government. The balance will be placed immediately in the student’s account to cover everything related to their studies.
In the event that additional funds are left over, a credit will be granted to the student which varies depending on the institution. This credit can be used to pay for books and for a variety of educational expenses that may arise.
This is a scholarship that will be received at some point during the semester payment period. However, the exact timing of payments will depend entirely on the educational institution. Some colleges may pay students 10 days before the first day of classes or may assign monthly payments.
REFERENCES
- What Is a Federal Pell Grant & Who is Eligible? Sallie Mae. https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/financial-aid/understand-college-grants/pellgrant/
- US Department of Education (ED) (n.d.). Eligibility — Federal Pell Grant Program. https://www2.ed.gov/programs/fpg/eligibility.html
- Kerr, E., & Wood, S. (2023, March 23). Everything you need to know about the Pell Grant. US News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-forcollege/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-pell-grant