Pell Grants

NeedyCollegeStudents.com

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This website has information on federal Pell Grants. Federal Pell Grants provide money for college to low-income students. You can be an undergraduate, or in some cases, a graduate student. Your Pell Grant is good at virtually all colleges and universities in the United States.

Your total Pell Grant will depend on your need and whether you are a full time or part time college student. Your Pell Grant funds will be credited to your account at your college. Any money left over will be given to you in a check. Don't let finances get in the way of going to college.

Who can apply for a Pell Grant?

Any student who is an undergraduate can apply.

Other cases where you may be eligible:

-Vocational program.

-Postgraduate program.

In each case, your school's financial aid office would know.

How to apply for a Pell Grant

You must fill out a federal form called the FAFSA. That is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

This form is a must for getting any college financial aid. So even if you think you don't qualify for a Pell Grant, you still need to fill this form out to be eligible for all student aid, including scholarships and student loans.

Who is eligible for a Pell Grant?

To get a Pell Grant, you must have financial need. If you don't have financial need, you will not qualify. But, this does not necessarily mean being low-income. There are many factors, such as total assets, income, savings, size of household, and number of family members in college.

How is your financial need calculated?

Each student and college situation is different.

When you send in your FAFSA, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be calculated. As stated before this will take into all angles of you and your family's financial situation. The EFC will be determined by the things stated above, and any financial hardships that you or your family may have. These things may include, but are not limited to:

Family size

Number of students in college in your family.

Taxed as well as untaxed income.

Unemployment benefits.

Assets.

Other monetary benefits.

Once all these factors are taken into account, they are used in a formula that is generated by federal law.

Only the information on your FAFSA is considered, so be accurate.

Please note: The EFC is not cash money that is required from your family. It is also not cash money you receive. It is NOT your financial aid award. It is just a number that will determine how much of a real financial aid need you have.

What if I have some circumstances not reported on the FAFSA?

Can I still be eligible for a Pell Grant?

Maybe. The financial aid office at your college would be the first place to report things of this nature. You can adjust your FAFSA and many times a financial aid officer can make adjustments. If your family has financial hardships, such as medical bills, this could result in a lower EFC.

Just do not lie thinking you will get more money. It does not work that way. You will be found out and ineligible for any financial aid. Don't risk it.

Are there deadlines for a Pell Grant?

In short, yes. Normally June of the previous school year is the deadline for getting your FAFSA in. That is, if you are going to school in the fall, then the June of that same year is the deadline.

However, this date can vary, so be aware.

Also, many states have their own deadlines. Check the state of your college for all deadlines.

How Much Can I Get From A Pell Grant?

The minimum currently is $650. The most you can get is about $6.345. But remember, your amount will vary due to the fact that your financial need and expenses are taken into account, as well as whether you are a full time or part time student.

This amount could be changed by law at anytime.

Special Circumstances for Pell Grants

The maximum award amount is given for any Pell Grant eligible student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept.11, 2001. You must be under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of your parent's or guardian's death.


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