How to Apply for Pell Grants for College
Pell Grants are given by the US Department of Education to financially assist students in need to obtain their first baccalaureate degree. According to the Department of Education, during the school year 2007 to 2008, 66 percent of undergraduate students received financial aid and 27 percent received a Pell Grant, with an average of $2,600 per student. Grants are based on a family's expected contribution (EFC), the school's costs and accreditation, and the enrollment status of the student. You can apply for a Pell Grant by completing a FAFSA Application available at high schools, colleges, libraries or online.
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Things You'll Need
- Tax records for the previous year
- Personal identification and Social Security number
- Federal FAFSA forms
Instructions
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How to Apply for Pell Grants for College
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Prior to applying for a Pell Grant, make sure your chosen school is accredited by an accepted accreditation agency. A list of accredited colleges is available on the Department of Education website.
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Contact the financial aid department of the college you plan to attend. If you visit the school in person, make an appointment with the financial aid department. Many schools have a designated department to help students with Pell Grants and other financing options. Find out what financial and identification documents you need to bring.Set an appointment to fill out the forms and submit them.
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Assess your family's eligibility for a Pell Grant. Income levels and expected family contribution (EFC) are discussed on the website or available in the school's financial aid department. Your income must fall within designated limits to receive a Pell Grant. Determine if you will be a part-time or full-time student. Pell Grants are restricted to students taking an established number of credits per school term. Check with your school to determine how many credits you need to apply for the Pell Grant. If you start the school term within the limits, but drop a course that takes you below the minimum amount of credits, you must contact the financial aid department immediately.
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Arrive at your appointment on time with the required documents. Your financial aid advisor will either submit your information for you or assist you in the preparation of the proper forms. Remember this is a legal document and your information must be factually correct.
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You may also file your application online. Visit your school's website and link to its financial aid page. Or you may directly visit the Department of Education website where you may apply by following the instructions. Have financial documents ready with information about family size, employment and income, your recent tax filing and social security number.
Allow plenty of uninterrupted time to fill out the forms. You may save pages and return to them later, if necessary.
Check your application's status by visiting the appropriate section as directed on the site.
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Reapply for each school year using updated financial and personal information. For summer coursework, check with the school's financial aid department to see if you need additional funds. Subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans and PLUS loans are also available through the Department of Education.
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References
Resources
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