Can You Combine Scholarships With a Pell Grant?
Similar to an academic scholarship, a Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. To qualify for a Pell Grant, you must meet minimum eligibility requirements and be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student. You may combine any number of public or private scholarships or other federal funding sources with a Pell Grant and not face a penalty.
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Identification
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"Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added," according to the Department of Education. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and have not earned a Bachelor's or a professional degree.
Disbursement
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Federal Pell Grants are paid to you directly by check or applied to your account, as per your award letter. Schools must disburse funds at least once per term -- i.e. semester, trimester or quarter -- regardless of other loans or scholarship funds, according to the Department of Education. In some cases, disbursements may be made twice during the academic year.
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Maximum Award
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"The maximum award you may receive depends on your financial need, your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less," according to the Department of Education. Receiving multiple scholarships may reduce your chances of qualifying for a Pell Grant, particularly if those funds cover your education costs.
Limitations
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"Beginning with the 2011-12 award year, you may receive only one Pell Grant award during a single award year for up to 18 semesters or the equivalent," according to the Department of Education. You may seek additional funding from other federal and nonfederal sources. In some cases, you may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant if you enroll in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program.
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