Anyone know how the PELL Grant works?

[dsnycrzy]

I was just told from Financial Aid that my PELL Grant was approved for about $2700 this semester, my classes came to $1400 and boos about $450. So Im only using $1850 of it roughly. Ive been out of college for years and dont remember the procedure. Thanks

 

[MM27]

I was just told from Financial Aid that my PELL Grant was approved for about $2700 this semester, my classes came to $1400 and boos about $450. So Im only using $1850 of it roughly. Ive been out of college for years and dont remember the procedure. Thanks

Is that $450 going towards booze or books?

I believe you will just get a check or the money will go into an account for you at the school. You can probably call the financial aid office to find out how they work it out.

 

[dsnycrzy]

LOL Books, I'll ask Financial Aid whenever they call me back. I will however use some of the money from the check if that what I get to buy some booze after "Aceing" a test or a paper throughout the semester,LOL

 

[SandrA9810]

My friend just recieves a check at the start of the semester, and he doesn't have to tell them where the money is going or what he's buying with it. I think the Pell Grant is one of the few things that's used for all things school related. Not just paying for the classes, but books, school supplies, a laptop/computer, housing, and that sort of stuff.

There's other programs too, that are specific to either classes or books and other funds owed to the college directly, and if you don't use the money on those items, or there's funds left over. You forfeit it.

 

[StacyMarie]

Whatever is left over, you can use on school supplies such as backpack, laptop, pens, paper, pencils, etc. I loved having a Pell grant when I was in college!

 

[ElizK]

Yep, for a Pell they will pay your tuition and send you a check for the rest. I'll pay for my books out of what I receive, and I can use the rest however I choose.

 

[SandrA9810]

Duplicate post...

 

[Maridw]

My DD started back to school yesterday and got a Pell Grant. She also ended up getting two additional grants that more than paid for her classes and books. We looked into it and found that she will get a check for whatever she does not use. She plans on getting herself a new laptop since her old one just recently got severely infected with a virus - lost cause, can't clean it up at all.

She was really surprised when she got the additional grants. She was happy when she got the Pell grant because that paid for her classes and books with a little left over, but now she has almost $1000 that she will be getting back. Plus she ended up with the same amount for next semester too. Hopefully she will be able to get a Pell grant for her last two semesters too.

 

[dsnycrzy]

How soon after classes start do you get a refund? My classes start Monday August 23rd.

 

[disney1990]

Just remember, money you receive over and above the cost of your actual tuition is taxable.

 

[natenapril]

How soon after classes start do you get a refund? My classes start Monday August 23rd.

I usually get mine the first week of school but I have direct deposit

 

[luvsJack]

Techinically, Pell grant over and above tuition and educational "expenses" is taxable. Gas, food, paper, pencils, lap tops, notebooks, etc. etc are all education related expenses.

 

[disney1990]

Techinically, Pell grant over and above tuition and educational "expenses" is taxable. Gas, food, paper, pencils, lap tops, notebooks, etc. etc are all education related expenses.

Qualified education expenses. For purposes of tax-free scholarships and fellowships, these are expenses for:

*

Tuition and fees required to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution, and
*

Course-related expenses, such as fees, books, supplies, and equipment that are required for the courses at the eligible educational institution. These items must be required of all students in your course of instruction.

Be careful -- only REQUIRED course-related expenses -- this from the IRS website.

 

[dsnycrzy]

Thanks everyone,
Ive been backed up on my bills this summer and after my school stuff I had to neglect a bill or 2. I was thinking the check would show up mid September but maybe earlier according to you guys. Thanks