The Federal Pell Grant program is among the more popular grant programs for students in need of financial help to enter college. Pell grants are distributed on a needs basis. The Pell Grant program was designed and established to serve the needs of the underprivileged students.
Pell grants are not awarded based on grades and students who receive the grants do not have to pay back the money. If you are a student looking to enroll in a post secondary institution, and your need is legitimate and significant you can receive money in the Federal Pell Grant program.
As with most grants and financial aid the first step to applying for a Pell Grant is to fill out the FAFSA. It is of utmost importance that you are completely honest on this form. The penalties for fraudulent applications or failure to report all income and assets are significant, including possible jail time.
The FAFSA form is administered by the Department of Education and will help in determining if you qualify for any form of financial aid. The maximum amount a student can receive for this grant during the 2009-2010 school year is $5,350. These totals are adjusted each year. By 2012, students will be eligible to receive $5,400 in total grant funds during any given school year.
Obviously it is not likely that that amount of money will be able to sustain you in college. It is however essentially, free money from the government that does not need to be paid back. And while it may seem complex and complicated, the Federal Pell Grant Program has helped many people obtain a college education.
If you qualify for a Pell Grant it is likely the money will be disbursed directly to the school you are attending. Accredited institutions of higher learning are involved with the US Department of Education to assist eligible students get the funds to which they are allowed. If you are interested in going to a post secondary school or advanced training program and do not think you are able to afford it you are most likely qualified for public money.