Who Qualifies for Pell Grants?
Originally called the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, the federal awards known as Pell Grants were renamed after the late Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell, a staunch advocate for educational opportunity. Pell Grants have become a cornerstone of financial aid for eligible students. Who qualifies for Pell Grants? Qualification is based on financial need, according to a formula developed by the United States Department of Education.
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid
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The first step in determining Pell Grant qualification is the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to by initials, FAFSA. This form also includes the Expected Family Contribution for the student applicant. EFC amounts depend on family income, number of people in the household, number of family member attending institutions of higher learning and net assets. After filing the FAFSA, the student receives a Student Aid Report determining eligibility.
Post-Secondary Institutions
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Pell Grants are accepted by approximately 5,400 post-secondary institutions in the United States, ranging from four-year colleges and universities to two-year and community colleges and vocational and technical schools. With the exception of candidates for the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, only undergraduate students may receive Pell Grants. When filling out the FAFSA, applicants include the code number for the post-secondary institution they attend.
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Awards
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For the 2010 to 2011 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award was $5,550. Students may qualify for Pell Grants for only one postsecondary institution at a time. Award amounts depend on full or part-time enrollment status and cost of tuition at a particular school, along with financial need. Students may receive some type of Pell funding for a maximum of 18 semesters.
Children of Certain Deceased Veterans
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Students whose parent or guardian was killed in action or died as a result of his military role after Sept. 11, 2001, while serving in the U.S. armed forces in the Afghanistan or Iraq campaigns may receive the maximum Pell Grant award. Eligible students must be under the age of 24 and have been already enrolled in a postsecondary institution on at least a part-time basis when the parent or guardian serving in the U.S. military died.
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