May 9, 2012. Paul Hixon
Getting a higher education can be a very expensive prospect. This should not deter one from pursuing the goal of attaining a degree as there are many resources available to help pay for college.
There are various loans, scholarships, and grants that are given out every year to thousands of students around the country. One of these resources is the federal Pell Grant, and there are a few things to do if you wish to become eligible for this financial aid instrument.
The Pell Grant is for undergraduate students attending college in the United States, and it is based on financial need. The grant can be used for anything related to attending college, including tuition, living expenses, books, or any other college-related expense. To see if you can become eligible for the Pell Grant means to check that your school accepts Title IV funding when filling out the FAFSA, which is a government form that will be forwarded to your school to help determine eligibility. It will also be necessary to determine what is called an expected family contribution, as this is an amount that cannot be greater than 5,273 for the 2010-11 school year. This is also determined by the FAFSA, and the amount of the grant is proportional to the expected family contribution.
If you do receive the grant, you have to continue to demonstrate financial need by applying every academic year. It is also necessary to maintain a passing grade point average (most schools require that a student maintain a C average), be enrolled at least on a half-time basis, and to not be convicted of any drug related charges. It is also going to be necessary to provide a written statement that you have not defaulted on any federal student loans, and that you have not used up your eligibility for federal student aid. It is also important to remember that a Pell Grant is not going to be enough to finance your entire college education, as the typical yearly amount is just over 4,000 dollars. This however can make a dent in those college bills, and more importantly is money that does not have to be paid back.
Updated May 9, 2012. Published February 8, 2011. Paul Hixon
