Pell Grant Qualifications

Pell Grant Qualifications
 
Knowing what the Pell Grant Qualifications are will help you to be prepared, organized and have a high probability of being awarded a grant. Many grants are presented every year to thousands of students and you could be one of them. If you are thinking about furthering your education beyond high school, then it's time to start preparing.
 
There are quite a few websites where you can obtain information about Pell Grants and probably the best one is studentaid.ed.gov which offers a ton of information about everything you could learn in regards to obtaining financial assistance to enter into college. Because there is so much information, I hope to provide you an overview of the information that is available here before you continue further on your quest.
 
A Pell Grant is a monetary amount of money that is awarded to an individual as financial aid to further their education. This funding does not have to be repaid and can be added with other financial sources to pay one's tuition in full. Usually only undergraduate's are presented this type of award. Those who already have a professional degree or bachelor's typically do not receive this type of funding. There is an exception to this and that it is possible for one who is enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate program could receive this unique funding.
 
As part of the Pell Grant Qualifications, if your application is approved, the amount of funding that you could receive would be based upon your financial status, if you will be attending part-time for full-time and if you will be attending for a partial year or a full year. Only one Pell Grant will be awarded to a qualified individual each award year. The maximum amount awarded can vary each year, however the maximum amount would be always awarded to those how are under the age of 24 and had a parent/guardian die while serving the United States in either Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2011.
 
The financial need is determined by the EFC or Expected Family Contributions. As part of the Pell Grant Qualifications, your financial status plays a large part in determining your eligibility. In other words, the more your family makes the less you would receive but keep in mind that you could still receive funding. The maximum amount awarded for the school year 2012 to 2013 is $5,550.
 
Other Pell Grant Qualifications are that the applicant must have a GED or high school diploma. The purpose of this federal program is to provide the opportunity for those who are otherwise unable to financially further their education once out of high school. Individuals who are incarcerated in either a state or federal penal institution are unable to qualify for this program.
 
Many of the other qualifications are similar to qualifications of other types of grants and scholarships. The applicant must be a United States citizen, have a valid social security number and you will be attending one of the many accredited postsecondary educational institutions to further your education to better your life. Other requirements that must be met are that the male applicants, if between the ages 18 and 25, must be registered with the Selective Service and that you will agree to the terms that the funds will only be used towards school tuition and related expenses.
 
The best way to get started is to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form which can be found at fafsa.ed.gov. The Pell Grant Qualifications are easy for most to meet and the sooner you start your application, the better off you will be.