How To Apply For Pell Grants

A Pell grant is awarded to students who need financial aid to pay for their college fees. The United States Department of Education sponsors the grant, and it is only given to those who need the financial assistance, and are not yet enrolled for a bachelor's degree. The amount offered can go as high as $5,550 (upper limit for 2010 - 2011 session) but varies according to the candidate's need. Grades do not matter while applying for a Pell Grant, and the applicant can use other scholarships too. Keep the following in mind if you are applying for a Pell grant.

Eligibility

For an eligible Pell Grant applicant, an undergraduate degree is a must but he/she must not have a bachelor's degree. A high school diploma or GED or the ability to utilize this grant is a must. Another necessary criterion is U.S. citizenship or eligible non citizen. While judging if the candidate needs the financial assistance, the United States Department of Education uses a fixed formula to calculate a cutoff amount below which the Pell Grant is granted to the applicant.

Proper documents

Keep all important financial documents on hand. You must have the tax returns and W2s that were issued for the previous year. Keep track of your driver's license, any other national identity card and your recent bank documents.

Filling the form and sending it

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form which is available online. The contents of this form are updated every year of your undergraduate program. After filling out the form properly, submit it online. The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov.

It is very easy to apply for a Pell Grant, and if you qualify, it can help with your college expenses. Take advantage of every scholarship, grant and financial aid opportunity you can, because college does not get any cheaper.

You must have the tax returns and W2s that were issued for the previous year