College Graduation
The Pell Grant is need-based financial aid that is provided by the US government to students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Pell grants, unlike student loans, do not have to be repaid once they are granted. If you are a young student whose family cannot contribute financially to your college education, you are likely to be eligible for a Pell Grant. If you are older and want to attend college, you must have a financial need to be awarded a Pell Grant.
Instructions
1. Gather financial documents from the previous year. If you are still living with your parents, you will need their tax return and W2 forms. If you are living on your own, you will need your own tax return and W2 forms. You may also need your driver's license and recent bank statements.
2. Get a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) online, or from your school of choice. Fill in the form completely and have someone double check it for accuracy. Include the name and address of the college you wish to attend, as a copy of the report will be sent to the college. Often, financial aid is withheld simply due to incomplete forms. You can file online or mail in your application. If you file online, other documentation will have to be mailed in separately.
3. Watch your time line. FASFA applications are due in the spring of the year in which you would like to attend college. Applying late may result in not getting financial aid due to lack of funding or missing your college financial aid deadlines.
4. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) once you have received it. You may either receive it by mail or through email. At the bottom of your SAR, you will be told whether or not you are eligible for a Pell Grant.
5. Speak with a financial aid representative at the college you wish to attend. Bring a copy of your FASFA and SAR for them to review. The college will then review your information and send you a financial aid package, which will include the amount of money that you will receive from the Pell Grant.
Tags: Pell Grant, attend college, college wish, college wish attend, eligible Pell