Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate college students that are working on their bachelor's degree. However, in some cases, students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program may be awarded a Pell Grant.

What is the Value of a Pell Grant?

A total of $5,550.00 is the maximum dollar amount for a Federal Pell Grant for the 2011 to 2012 grant period.  Depending on program funding, the maximum amount awarded can change year to year. 

The amount of your Pell Grant will be based on your college education financial needs and the costs associated with your college institution will relate directly to your potential Pell Grant. Your status as a full or part time college student is also a factor as well as how long you plan to attend college in a given calendar year.

The maximum amount of the Pell Grant is given to a student whose parent or legal guardian died due to military service in Afghanistan or Iraq after September 11, 2001. In order to qualify, you must be under 24 years of age or enrolled at least part-time in college when your parent or legal guardian died.

In order to speed up your education toward your college degree, you can receive up to two consecutive Pell Grants during a single year. In order to qualify for two Pell Grants in one year you must:

1. Meet all Pell Grant eligibility requirements

2. Have used up the entire first Pell Grant

3. Earn more than 36 credit hours in the 2011-2012 award year

4. Are taking at least 6 credit hours at the time of the second Pell Grant

5. Are eligible for financial aid by maintaining the Standards for Satisfactory Academic Standards.

If you were awarded a Pell Grant for the first time after July 1, 2008, you can only get the Pell Grant for up to 18 semesters.

How do I get the Money to my Bank Account if I am Eligible?

If you are eligible and awarded a Pell Grant, your college of choice can credit the Pell Grant funds to your college costs.  You can also be paid directly by check or a combination of the two.

The college office of student financial aid must notify you in writing how much your award will be and how and when you will be compensated.  Colleges must disburse funds at least once per semester, trimester or quarter.  Colleges that do not use these academic timelines must pay Pell Grant funds at least twice per academic year.

As you can see, the Federal Pell Grant can provide you additional financial assistance that can help offset your college expenses.

To some students, the amount of the Pell Grant may not seem to make a dent in helping pay for college. For other students, it is just one additional way to whittle down the amount of money that you might owe after paying for your college education.