Pel Grants ?

[Bella the Ball 360]

I was just wondering about Pel Grants. My son is a junior now but I would like to beging looking into these things. How do you get them and what is the criteria. I assume that they do not need to be paid back. My older son worked his way through college and did not take loans or get much in scholarships so I do not really know all that much about assistance.

 

[coach4448]

This should help you out:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2003_2004/english/types.htm


You are correct that you do not have to be paid back. From what I remember these usually go to the students with the most need, and is calculate using the what is called the EFC.
I think the link above should help.

 

[wdwmom2]

Pell grants and basically free money. Qualification is based on income. I would check with your child's HS advisor or check with the financial aid office of a local college to get info. You will apply the spring before the fall that your child starts college. Get your income taxes done early, you will need these.

 

[Pete's Mom]

I noticed that during the SOTU address last night, Bush said he was looking to increase Pell Grants.

 

[SoonerKate]

Well, it's about time -- he did make the original promise to raise them in 2000. However, the $500 raise in the maximum award comes at a price -- changes in the rules for eligibility will cut about 90,000 students from the program competely, with another 1.3 million who will see the amounts they get decreased.