How to Qualify for a Pell Grant if I Already Have a Degree
Pell Grants help people who would not otherwise have a chance to attend college earn a degree. The federal government typically gives them to people who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. In some instances, however, you may qualify for a Pell Grant if you already have a degree. Depending on the degree you hold, your financial situation and your reason for attending college, you may be able to get a Pell Grant.
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Instructions
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Gather financial materials that will help you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Tax returns, bank statements and the names of the schools to which you want to apply will be helpful.
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Get a paper copy of the FAFSA from your college financial aid counselor. You can also fill out the form online on the FAFSA website.
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Indicate that your highest degree earned is an associate’s degree on the FAFSA. Those who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree may be eligible for a Pell Grant.
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Select that you are considering a post-bachelor’s teacher training program on the FAFSA. If you have a bachelor’s degree but you want to enter an alternative teacher-training program, you may qualify for a Pell Grant.
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Complete the rest of the FAFSA accurately, providing true answers on all of the financial questions. The FAFSA takes into consideration the cost of attendance at the school you want to attend, your household size, whether you plan to attend school part-time or full-time, your income and other factors to determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant. The maximum Pell Grant for the 2011 to 2012 award year was $5,550. The minimum grant size was $555.
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Tips & Warnings
Even if you are not eligible for a Pell Grant, complete the FAFSA as you may be eligible for other federal grants or student loans. In addition, scholarship and grant committees often require students to fill out the FAFSA to help determine their eligibility for their particular programs. The FAFSA is an important part of each year’s financial aid application process, whether or not you think you will be eligible for a Pell Grant.
