Online Calculator | What Are The Different Eligibility Requirements For Federal Pell Grant?

What Are The Different Eligibility Requirements For Federal Pell Grant?

The Federal Pell Grant is generally awarded to undergrads who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. Unlike a loan, this grant does not have to be repaid. It is designed to be a foundation of federal financial aid, to which one can add other financial aids from government or private organizations.

Pell Grant Requirements

The Federal Pell Grant has a couple of program-specific requirements and one of them is financial need, which is determined by the US-ED by using a standardized formula that generates the EFC score. The EFC is the sum of a percentage of net income and percentage of net assets.

The assessment rate and allowances used for a dependent student, independent students with and without dependents are different, because the first uses parental data, hence the first step in calculating a student’ EFC is to determine his or her dependency status. Basically, the lower the EFC, the greater the student’s financial need. Undergrads who got a zero EFC score may receive the highest grant amount which at this time is pegged at 5,500 USD.

The second program-specific Pell Grant requirement is that the applicant should not be incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution. Upon discharge from the penal institution though, most of these eligibility restrictions are lifted. Then again, there are certain kinds of criminal convictions which can prevent one from qualifying for the said grant, even after release. Those convicted of forcible or nonforcible sexual offenses who are subject to involuntary commitment upon release are ineligible for the Pell grant. Also, individuals who are released after serving prison time for sale and possession of illegal drugs can only qualify for the said federal student aid when he or she successfully completes a qualified drug rehabilitation program or passes two surprise drug tests given by such a program. Further drug convictions will make him or her ineligible again.

To receive any form of federal student aid, one should fill out the FAFSA form. The answers to the questions found in this form are the ones used to determine the EFC. Federal student aid is only available to American citizens, permanent residents and other individuals who although are not holders of a US citizenship status have been identified by law as qualifiable, such as those granted asylum and victims of human trafficking. One should have a high school diploma or a GED certificate as well. Applicants also need to certify that the Pell Grant requirements will only be used for educational purposes. Lastly, one should also maintain satisfactory academic progression once in school.

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