The Pell grant is a financial grant sponsored by the Federal government’s department of education. The grant was instituted to provide financial assistance to students from low income families. It was founded in honor of the Rhode Island Democrat senator Claiborne Pell. The grant is awarded on an annual basis to eligible candidates provided the necessary requirements are met. Read on to find out how to apply for Pell grant.
The following criteria should be met if you want to apply for Pell grant. The grant is awarded only to undergraduate students. A candidate should have no criminal record and must be a US citizen. The candidate should also be registered with the selective services and currently enrolled in one of the participating institutions. Also, a candidate is not eligible for the Pell grant if he is already receiving any other form of federal scholarship.
You can apply for Pell grant if you satisfy all the above criteria, whether or not you receive the grant depends on your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). To apply for Pell grant you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The form is reviewed by the Department of Education and based on the information provided your EFC is computed according to set formulas.
Upon evaluation an applicant is mailed a Student Assessment Report (SAR), the report contains the applicant’s EFC and notifies him of his eligibility for the grant. An Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) is also sent to the respective colleges. You will be officially notified by your college about your qualification for the grant along with the size of the grant. Also, you will require copies of bank statements, tax returns etc. to complete the paper work.
Unlike student loans which need to be repaid, you don’t have to return the money you get as part of the Pell grant.
You can also contact the student and financial aid office at your college to better understand the terms and conditions of the grant or if you need any assistance with your application.
