The Pell grant can be a boon for those who need financial assistance for higher education. The Pell grant is sponsored by the United States department of education. It is named in honor of Democrat US senator Claiborne Pell from Rhode Island State. The primary criterion for Pell grant eligibility is need for financial assistance. It is determined by computing the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form needs to be submitted by applicants. Information provided in the FAFSA is used by the department of education to calculate an applicant’s EFC. The applicant is handed a Student Aid Report (SAR) that contains his or her EFC, it also notifies the candidate if he or she is eligible for the grant.
Other criteria for Pell grant eligibility are:
Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America, they must have valid social security numbers.
The applicant must have a high school diploma or a Graduate Education Development (GED) certificate for Pell grant eligibility.
The applicant must not have a criminal record. Those that have been charged and jailed are not eligible for consideration.
The applicant must be an undergraduate, those pursuing a graduate or a second undergraduate program are not eligible.
Applicants must be registered with the Selective Services of the United States.
For eligibility applicants must enroll in a program with one of the participating institutions. A list of all the participating institutions and colleges is published by the US department of Education.
The applicant must certify that he or she will not apply for other student aid funds sponsored by the federal government.
Applicants must certify that they do not owe any federal student loan.
Students must make satisfactory academic progress as required by the terms and conditions for the continuation of the grant.
Unlike student loans the Pell grant doesn’t need to be paid back. It is awarded at least once every academic year and continued for the duration of the program on the condition that the student maintains satisfactory academic record.
