The federal Pell Grant program gives grants to low-income undergraduate students. Those students may use their grants at any approved institution; this includes most accredited colleges and universities. The money, which is tax-free when used appropriately, is intended to be applied toward tuition, fees, books and other college-related expenses. Using your funds is easy once you receive them.
Instructions
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either online or by mail. This application determines financial need. If you are applying for undergraduate studies and you are under the age of 25 years, you may need your parents' help filling out the form, as you may be required to include their tax information. Include the information for the college or university you will be attending.
2. Await your response. The federal government will inform you before the beginning of the following fall semester of college if you have been awarded a Pell Grant. The amount of award that you receive depends entirely on your need. The maximum award for the 2010-2011 award year was $5,500.
3. Contact your school's financial aid office. Once the financial aid office receives notification that you have been awarded a Pell Grant, it will begin the process of disbursing funds. The college must inform you in writing about the amount of money that you received and how and when payments are made. Some colleges disburse funds all at once, others split the funds per semester or per quarter.
4. Use your Pell Grant to pay for tuition and fees and books purchased in the university's bookstore. If the amount of your Pell Grant exceeds your expenses, obtain a refund for unused funds. You should receive these funds in the form of a check, which can be cashed and used for other college-related expenses, such as school supplies.
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