How Does One Receive a Pell Grant?

Do Your Homework

A Pell Grant is college funding from the U.S. Department of Education for low-income students that does not have to be repaid. These grants are normally given to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor's degree. The most you can receive from a federal Pell Grant award for the 2009-2010 school year, for example, is $5,350, an increase of $619 from the prior year. The maximum amount changes each year. Federal formulas are used to calculate the expected family contribution and to determine whether or not you're eligible. Most Pell awards go to students with family incomes below $30,000. This changes yearly as well.

Fill Out a Form

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form that specifies your family's income level. You can get a FAFSA form from the college you expect to attend, your high school guidance counselor or career office, or online (see Resources). The amount you get depends on your financial need in addition to school costs, full-time or part-time status, and the number of semesters you're attending during the year. Eligible students may be reimbursed for money already paid.

Meet the Deadline

Check the deadlines for your application by going to the FAFSA site or by talking to the person who gave you the form. The deadlines change annually, but normally you need to apply by June the year before attending college. Ask your intended school how it wants to receive the FAFSA form. Some want it sent electronically, and others want you to give it to them manually.

How You Receive Funds

Receive your Pell Grant funds through your school financial aid office or directly by check. Your school must send you a letter with the amount of your award and how you will be paid. Schools have to pay funds at least once per term on a semester, trimester or quarterly basis or at least two times each academic year.

Resources

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• U. S. Department of Education: Pell Grant Information