The Pell grant can be a boon for those who need financial assistance for higher education. The United States department of education sponsors the Pell grant. It is named in honor of Democrat US senator Claiborne Pell from Rhode Island State. Need for financial assistance is the primary criterion for Pell grant eligibility. Applicants are considered based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form needs to be submitted by applicants. EFC is calculated by the department of education based on the information provided in the FAFSA. The applicant is handed a Student Aid Report (SAR) that contains his or her EFC, it also notifies the candidate if he or she is eligible for the grant.
Pell grant eligibility also requires the following:
The applicant must be a citizen of the United States of America and must possess a valid social security number.
The applicant must have a high school diploma or a Graduate Education Development (GED) certificate for Pell grant eligibility.
Applicants must not have prior criminal records. Those who have been incarcerated in state, county or federal jails are not eligible to apply.
Applicants must be undergraduates, those pursuing graduate degrees or a second undergraduate program are not eligible for the grant.
The applicant must register with the Selective Services.
The applicant must enroll in a program with one of the participating institutions. The US department of education publishes a list of the institutions and colleges participating in its programs.
All applicants must certify that they will not apply for other federal government sponsored student aid.
The applicant must also certify that they do not owe any federal student loan.
Students must make satisfactory academic progress as required by the terms and conditions for the continuation of the grant.
Unlike student loans the Pell grant doesn’t need to be paid back. The grant is continued for the duration of the program provided that the student maintains satisfactory academic performance, it’s awarded at least once every academic year.