Pell Grants for Active Duty & Army Reserve
College tuition has been steadily increasing for years. Luckily, the United States government provides assistance for tuition, books, housing and other college-related costs. Active-duty military and Army Reserve personnel are eligible to apply for Pell grants, federal money that does not have to be repaid. Pell grants are need based, meaning grant seekers cannot exceed income limitations to qualify.
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Requirements
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To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grants are awarded to low-income students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Students cannot already have a bachelor's or other professional degree. The maximum grant is $5,550 for the school year, as of August 2011. The government bases the amount on students' income, the costs of the school and the number of classes they take. If students are under 24, the government also factors in parents' income, regardless of whether or not they will assist with tuition.
How to Apply
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The FAFSA can be submitted online or through the mail. Pell grants are awarded to active-duty and Army Reserve personnel on a yearly basis. School years begin in the fall. To enroll in the fall semester, the federal deadline to fill out the FAFSA is June 30th. Students must provide information regarding their military status, income, parents' income (if under 24) and educational goals. They will also need their school code, a number that identifies to which school the government will send the funds.
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Eligible Uses for the Grant
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Once the student is approved, the government notifies the school and the school notifies the student. The school must tell the student in writing the amount of the grant and how it will disburse the money. The grant can be applied toward tuition, fees, housing, books or parking. Usually, the government sends the grant to the school, but sometimes it sends the check directly to the student. If sent to the school, the school applies the money to outstanding costs and gives anything extra to the student. Schools must disburse or apply funds at least once per term (semester, trimester or quarter).
Considerations
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Regardless of financial need, the government awards the maximum amount of $5,550 to any active-duty or Army Reserve personnel whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001. However, students must be under 24 years of age or taking college classes at least on a part-time basis. The government encourages active-duty military and Army Reserve personnel to apply as early as possible, because grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis.
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