How to Apply for a Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a need-based federal financial aid program for college students. Grant amounts vary according to need, but can be as high as $3,000, and better yet, they don't have to be repaid.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Applications For Pell Grants
• Internet Access
• Computers
• Word-processing Software

1. Make sure you're eligible for consideration. You are if you're enrolled in college and have not yet received a bachelor's degree. (You'll only get a Pell Grant if you meet the needed criteria; grades don't matter.)

2. Apply early. The deadline isn't until spring of the year for which you seek funding, but money is only available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

3. Gather key financial documents: tax returns and W2s from the previous tax year (or your parents' forms, if you're their dependent), driver's license, recent bank statements.

4. Get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your school counselor's office or your financial aid office. Fill it out and send it in.

5. Carefully review the Student Aid Report (SAR) that you'll receive in response to your FAFSA. The SAR will tell you if you're eligible for a Pell Grant, and if so, for how much money.

6. Follow the instructions on the SAR for claiming your Pell Grant money.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Pell Grant Web site for more detailed information (see Related Sites). In addition, consult with your counselor or financial aid adviser for more advice on applying for financial aid.

• You're still eligible even if you're enrolled less than part-time. You'll probably get less money, but you still qualify.

• Photocopy your application materials before sending them in and keep a copy for your records.

• You can't receive Pell Grant money from more than one college at a time.