Getting a Pell Grant
Pell Grant
Pell grant are geared to low income students who have scholastic promise. The government provides the Pell grant, an acroynm for Basic Educational Opportunity Grants or BEOGS, to these students who otherwise may not be able to afford a traditional college education or whose families may not have the income to support getting a standard loan. There are thousands of colleges and universities that are part of the Pell grant program.
You will need to contact the school you wish to attend to find out more information and see if it is available. Students can use the Pell grant to get a bachelors degree in any chosen degree program that the university or college offers. There are not usually any restrictions, as long as it is a bachelors degree.
The Pell grant is a federal grant so there are rules and stipulations. The student has to agree that they will be drug free and maintain a minimum grade point average. If your grade point average dips below a certain level or you are found to be abusing drugs then you are at risk for loosing funding. The Pell grant can be a wonderful opportunity to those students who otherwise would not be able to afford an education.
You must uphold your commitment to keep your grade point average at an acceptable level and stay drug free. If these two things are accomplished, the student can be virtually debt free when they graduate. With a combination of work study and the federally funded Pell grant, a student can take advantage to get a quality education at the expense of the government. The government is investing on your skill and desire to become successful and will see the student to the end if they cooperate.
The Pell grant amount is awarded based on the need of the student and what the individual tuition is at the school . It also depends on whether the student is going to be a part time or full time student. It is not necessary to be a full time student, as long as they are enrolled in a four year program. If the student decides to transfer schools, many times, if the new school participates in the Pell grant program, they can continue their education using the Pell grant without any problems. If the student is independent, it is much easier to obtain a Pell grant. Also, funding depends on the income of the family. Many students try to become independent from their parents, but if you are under the age of 24, it can be difficult. If the student is 25 and older, they are considered independent as far as financial aid is concerned.
To be considered for a federal Pell grant, you will need to fill out a SAR form or “student aid report” at your school. The student needs to be sure to fill this form out 6 months before the semester starts. The process takes awhile and you do not want to be in a situation where you have to sit out a semester because there is no way to pay tuition.
By David Pierce
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