Sign in to join Kim Johnson's fan club.
Pell Grants - How to Qualify
Students looking to pay for secondary schooling may want to investigate the possibility of using a Pell grant depending upon whether or not they meet the criteria for eligibility. Eligibility is determined largely by expected family contributions and other information gleaned from the FASFA. Expected family contributions are determined by the current threshold for eligibility. The current threshold is set at $5273 per year and the maximum Pell grant amount is set at $5550 per year. Of course, not all students will receive the maximum amount for the Pell grant during the school year.
The student aid financial responsibility act of 2010 changed how often a student may receive a Pell grant. Before this act, students were able to receive the Pell grant two times per year. Now, a student may only receive the Pell grant once during each academic school year.
Beyond expected family contribution, a student must meet additional criteria in order to receive the Pell grant.
1. Students must be citizens of the United States or eligible noncitizens in order to receive a Pell grant. Certain noncitizens may qualify for a Pell grant is specific criteria is met. For the students, the financial aid officer can assist in gaining a Pell grant
2. Students must not be incarcerated at the time of application. Students who are incarcerated are not eligible for Pell grant. However, there may be other programs for which incarcerated students may apply. Incarcerated students are expected to apply for the FASFA in the same manner as other students.
3. Students may not have drug and felony charges in order to remain eligible. Students may not have a criminal record involving drugs or other types of felony crimes in order to remain eligible for a Pell grant. Not all criminal activity will automatically disqualify student. It is important for students to fall under this category to speak with a knowledgeable financial aid counselor to determine eligibility.
4. Students must not have any outstanding defaulted loans. Students applying for financial aid in Pell grants must not have default is student loans already on record. A financial aid counselor can assist students in placing previous loans on deferment if applicable.
5. Students must show a financial need in order to receive the Pell grant. If student shows financial need according to the expected family contribution. If a students threshold is at or lower than the threshold for expected family contribution, then a student qualifies for a Pell grant.
Leveraging a pell grant to pay for school is a great idea in a down economy. In order to qualify, the applicant must meet pell grant eligibility requirements. Pell grant requirements have become easier to understand and achieve. To find out more information about pell grants, please visit:: http://pellgrantguide.org/
Article submitted Friday, February 10, 2012 & read 34 times.
Leave your comments through Blogz:
0-0-0-0-0-ADSO
Copyright © 2012 IcoLogic, Inc.