These federally funded grants help about 5.4 million full- and part-time college and vocational school students nationally.
Who is Eligible?
Students with family incomes up to $60,000 may be eligible for Pell Grants. However, most Pell awards go to students with family incomes below $30,000. There is no charge to apply for a Federal Pell Grant.
You also must meet certain conditions to receive federal aid.
Students can receive Pell Grants for their undergraduate study until they complete a baccalaureate or their first professional degree (such as pharmacy or dentistry).
How Much Money Can You Get?
In 2009-2010, the grants range from $609 to $5,350. The average grant in 2006-2007 was approximately $2,494.
How is the Award Determined?
Pell Grants are based on a formula that is applied in the same manner to all applicants. The formula is revised and approved each year by the U.S. Congress. The actual award a student receives depends on a number of factors including:
- The price of attendance.
- The family's financial situation.
- Family size.
- Whether the student is attending full-time or part-time.
Where Can You Use the Pell Grant?
The grants may be used at almost any school the student chooses to attend. Financial aid administrators at each school can tell you whether the institution and its programs are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant Program.
What Is the Application Process?
Apply for a Federal Pell Grant by completing a FAFSA Application. These are available at high schools, colleges, vocational schools, libraries, community and state agencies, or by contacting:
Pell Grant
Box 84
Washington D.C. 20044
(800) 433-3243
The paper FAFSA can also be downloaded at www.studentaid.ed.gov.
Some schools prefer that applications be filed electronically rather than filing a paper application. Check with the school to determine its preference.
Once the FAFSA has been completed and filed, the progress of the application can be tracked by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at (800) 433-3243 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), Monday through Friday. You also can check the status of your FAFSA online.
