Educating Yourself About the Pell Grant Eligibility Requirements

0 Comments | Rating: 0 | |

The Pell Grant is a need-based grant that is provided by the government through the Department of Education. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial aid to students who have a very extreme financial need. All students are not eligible, and there are certain requirements that must be met in order for a student to gain a positive Pell Grant eligibility status.

The most important Pell Grant eligibility requirement is financial need. Financial need is determined by the amount of the student's expected family contribution (EFC). The student's expected family contribution is provided once a student has filled out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA asks questions about the student's living situation, financial information, school information, and attendance record. Once this application has been completed an EFC number is generated. This number determines whether or not the student is eligible for federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant. For the 2010-2011 school year, the maximum EFC for Pell Grant eligibility is set at 4,617. If a student's EFC is less than this figure it is very likely that he or she is going to be eligible for the Pell Grant.

Other Pell Grant requirements include the student's enrollment in the appropriate undergraduate degree program, the student's ability to produce a secondary school degree, such as a high school diploma, or GED, and the student's ability to show proof of living in the United States on a legal and permanent basis. If the student is a male, he should be registered with the Selective Service if any federal aid is to be approved for that particular school year.

Students must also maintain satisfactory grades and keep good attendance throughout the school year. Students may not be in default of any student loans or owe money for not meeting the past requirements for other federal grants. Students must also agree that all funds received from the Pell Grant are used for educational purposes only, as this is done with the appropriate federal forms that require a signature.

If a student has met all of these Pell Grant requirements than he or she may in-fact become eligible for this award. Students are required to reapply through the FAFSA every school year, and their Pell Grant eligibility may change from year to year. The amount the student receives may also change since it is determined by via their credentials for that particular school year. A student who receives the Pell Grant is fortunate since the money does not have to be paid back, so if you think you could benefit from this financial aid instrument, go ahead and fill out your FAFSA.