RoxanneHow do you get a Pell Grant?
Unlike your typical college scholarship, Pell Grants are based on financial need. They’re intended for low-income students to offer help with paying for school.
You can find out if you meet the financial need requirements by completing a FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. That form will determine if you’re eligible by going through the Department of Education.
Can you only use a Pell Grant towards tuition costs?
Contrary to popular belief, Pell Grants can be used to pay more than just tuition. For example, you can pay for other costs related to school, such as a new laptop to take virtual classes and complete homework, transportation expenses to get to and from classes, housing, and more.
How much is a Pell Grant worth?
Pell Grants in the 2022-2023 school year are worth a maximum of $6,895 per student. Does everyone get that maximum amount per year? No, because once again, Pell Grants are based on need.
Your family’s income will be used first to determine eligibility. Then, it will be used to determine how much of a Pell Grant award you will receive. The greater your financial need, the closer you’ll get to that $6,895 maximum amount.
Beyond financial need, your enrollment status will be used to determine your award amount. If you’re a part-time student, you will likely receive less than $6,895 annually.
Are Pell Grants a one-time deal?
No. As long as you can show sufficient financial need on your annual FAFSA, you can receive Pell Grants for each semester of school.
Are Pell Grants first-come, first-served?
Luckily, they are not. As long as you qualify, the Department of Education will provide the Pell Grant award consistent with your financial need, regardless of when you apply. Still, it’s a good idea to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible so you can use it to get other forms of financial aid.
Are Pell Grants only usable during the spring and fall semesters?
No. Thanks to a new rule, Pell Grants now apply to summer studies as well.
Is there a limit to how many Pell Grants you can receive?
While the maximum annual amount is currently $6,895, you are limited to Pell grants for 12 total semesters. Once you exceed that point, you can no longer receive this form of funding.
Can you lose a Pell Grant?
Although Pell Grants are awarded based on financial need and not merit, you will have to maintain a minimum GPA to avoid losing your grant. You can contact your school to find out what that GPA is.
Do all schools accept Pell Grants?
Unfortunately, thousands of schools do not accept Pell Grants. Before applying to a school, make sure it accepts these grants if you plan on using them to fund part of your education.
