First off let’s do a quick run through of the most important aspects of Federal Pell Grants for college.
Year on year, Pell grants assist about 5.5 million students attending post-secondary education both full and part time. It’s not just limited to traditional universities either, you can use Pell grants for online university courses and vocational colleges too.
To have a realistic chance of being approved for financial aid under the scheme your family income (total household income) needs to be below $60,000 however, Federal Pell Grants are meant to assist the most needy among us so most Pell awards will go to students with family incomes of below $30,000.
There’s no charge to apply for a college Pell grant and you can do it all online so even if your situation doesn’t strictly meet the criteria why not try for it anyway just in case you get lucky?
As with all state college grants there are conditions which must be met as a successful applicant. You must be intending to attend a school which is already participating in the program, you have to reapply each year in order to continue getting the money and students can receive Pell grants as undergraduates, that is until they complete a baccalaureate or a professional degree.
Alright so how much money can you get from a Pell grant for college?
It differs each year however the most recent stats from 2010-11 show that the grant awarded amounts to students ranging from $555 to $5,550. This was an increase upon the average amount awarded in 2009 which was $3,593.
Once you submit your FAFSA form the Department of Education will review it and decide if you are a good candidate for help or not. The same formula is applied equally to all applications. Here are the most important factors
1. Your family’s financial income (EFC)
2. The size of your family
3. Will you be a part-time or full-time student
4. What is the cost of your tuition
One of the best contacts you can make before applying for a Pell grant for college is the Financial Aid Administrator at your school. They will be able to give you clear and helpful guidance on how best to fill out the form and maximize what you could be entitled to.
They will also be able to provide you with a list of colleges and educational institutions which participate in the Federal Pell grant program.
You can pick up an application form, known as FAFSA, at high schools, local libraries, colleges, vocational schools or at community help centers.
To contact the Pell Grant agency directly write to
Pell Grant
Box 84
Washington D.C. 20044
(800) 433-3243
Perhaps the easiest way of all however is to simply apply online which you can do right here at Student Aid.
It can be a nerve racking time while you wait for a decision upon your application but you can always call the Federal Student Aid Information Center to check up on your applications progress. The number is toll-free at (800) 433-3243
Alternatively you can also check up Pell grants for college online and track it there.