Deciphering the Pell Grant Eligibility Requirements

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Getting a college education can cost a great deal, causing a burden on those individuals that are below the appropriate income brackets. There are many benefits for the economy to add people to the workforce that are trained and educated professionals. This is emphasized in the health care industry that desperately is seeking new professionals to recruit. For this reason, the government provides grant money for those low income individuals seeking to enter the educated professional trend, but don't have the appropriate funding for an expensive college education.

The Pell Grant is currently awarding $5,350 for the 2009-2010 academic year, which will increase to $5,500 for 2010-2011. In order to qualify to receive the Pell Grant, it is essential that you are able to meet the Pell Grant eligibility requirements for the upcoming school year. When you apply for the Pell Grant, you will use the FAFSA application to do so. This application will you ask a series of questions based on various elements such as:

• Your family and household
• You financial situation and assets
• Your tax information for the prior year

The following questions that are asked on the FAFSA are intended to evaluate your Pell Grant eligibility.

• US citizenship
• Household income less than $50,000 annually
• 2.0 GPA or higher
• At least part-time status
• Sufficient attendance

These requirements are proposed to ensure that only the students that demonstrate the most need, as well as meet worthy academic standards are awarded the Pell Grant. Being a government funded grant, the regulations imposed ensure that the monies go to those that are most credible with their education. There are penalties for falsifying information to obtain a Pell Grant, and all changes to the student's status and financial situation should be reported immediately.

The application is available online, or you could fill it out in your school, or even by printing and submitting by mail. Once the student is approved for the Pell Grant, there will be two disbursements. One will be made in October and one in March, each dispersed as specified by the student and according to the school's financial aid policies.