What is a Pell Grant? A Complete Guide
Pell Grant is money given by the government to help you study at a college or university in the United States. This money is given specifically to children who need a lot of financial help to study. The best part is that you don't have to pay this money back. It's not a loan, but a gift from the government so that you can study.
Which Students get this grant?
- Those who are currently earning their first degree (bachelor's degree) in college.
- Those who have not already earned a higher degree (such as a master's or PhD).
- And whose family's financial situation is not good enough to afford their studies.
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What are the Eligibility requirements for the Pell Grant?
There are a few things you need to do to get a Pell Grant:
1. Financial need:
The most important thing is to show that your family doesn't have enough income to pay for college.
2. U.S. citizen or legal resident:
You must be a U.S. citizen or a green card holder.
3. Earning a first degree:
You must be currently enrolled in college or about to enroll in your first bachelor's degree. If you already have a degree, you won't get it.
4. Attending an approved college:
You must be enrolled in a U.S. college or university that is approved by the government.
5. Good academic standing:
Once you get this money, you must keep getting good grades and completing classes. If you slack off in your studies, you may lose this money.
6. High school graduation:
You must have graduated from high school or have an equivalent certificate (such as a GED).
7. Don’t have any old government loans:
If you previously took out a government student loan and haven’t paid it back, you’ll need to resolve that issue first.
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How much Amount do you get in Pell Grant?
The maximum Pell Grant amount changes each year. It depends on how much financial need you have, how expensive your college is, and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time.
How do you apply for a Pell Grant Application?
Applying for a Pell Grant is very straightforward and there’s only one way to do it:
Fill out the FAFSA form:
You’ll need to fill out a government form called the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form is completely free. You can fill it out online at this website: www.studentaid.gov
What do I need to fill out the form?
When you fill out the FAFSA, you will need to provide some information about yourself and your parents (if you are dependent on them), such as:
- Social Security number
- Last year’s tax returns
- Bank account details
- Information about any property or investments
- Your driver’s license number (if applicable)
What happens after you fill out the form?
- When you complete the FAFSA form, it is automatically sent to the colleges you listed on the form.
- The college’s financial aid office will review your FAFSA form and tell you how much Pell Grant you can get and whether you can get any other aid (scholarships or loans).
- You will also receive email updates about your application.
Important Things to remember for Pell Grant:
· Apply early:
The FAFSA form opens on October 1st each year for the next school year. The sooner you fill out the form, the better your chances of getting money, as some aid is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
· Fill out every year:
The Pell Grant is for every year, so you will need to fill out the FAFSA again for each new school year.
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Conclusion:
The Pell Grant is a great help from the government for students studying in the United States who need a lot of money for their education. This money does not have to be paid back. The easiest way to get it is to fill out the FAFSA form every year and meet its requirements. To know more information about the Pell Grant visit the official link here.