Pell Grants

The Federal government provides annual Federal Pell Grants of up to $4,500 to cover the costs of tuition and related educational expenses. Unlike student loans, you generally don't need to repay a Pell Grant award.

Part-time students qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, a need-based grant that is yours to keep. There's no age limit for a Pell Grant, and you should apply even if you're returning to school after a long period away.

Eligibility Requirements
The amount of Pell Grant you actually receive depends on how much it costs to attend your school, your student status, and how much your family is expected to contribute. Part-time students are eligible for the grant, though they may receive less money for the year than full-time students based on their reduced enrollment status.

Applying for Pell Grants
To apply for a Pell Grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most colleges and universities require that you complete a FAFSA as part of the financial aid application process, so your eligibility for a Pell Grant will automatically be calculated. If you're not sure if you applied for a Pell Grant, contact your school's financial aid office to check your status. Complete your FAFSA and find out how much Pell Grant is available to you for online enrollment.

Watch for Scammers
Despite what some unscrupulous aid search companies might imply, there's no application fee or secret formula to getting a Pell Grant. Because your application information is checked against IRS tax records, it's important to be honest on your FAFSA. Filing a fraudulent FAFSA can disqualify you from obtaining a Pell Grant, and can even disqualify you from attending college. If you find you've made a mistake on your FAFSA, contact your school's financial aid office to find out how to resolve the problem as soon as possible.