Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree would include a degree in a field such as pharmacy or dentistry.) For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.

To determine if you're eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information you report when you apply. The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) contains this number and will tell you if you're eligible.

It is not too late to apply for a PELL grant for the school year. Students need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available in the Financial Aid Office. Six to eight weeks after the mailing the FAFSA form to the processing center, students will receive a Student Report (SAR). This report should be brought to the Financial Aid Office as soon as it is received. Financial staff will help you though the rest of the awarding process. Pell grant applications take 12 weeks or longer--so applications should be completed as soon as possible.

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