As the final year of high school arrives for students, they must begin to ponder their future. Lots of kids will skip college and instead pick up a full time job. Many others will make the decision to attend a trade school or a college. Of course there are a number of kids who might chose college only their financial situation prevents them from doing so. Sadly, funding can prevent lots of good students from attending a post-secondary school. There is hope for them though. It comes in the form of a loan or a grant, and regardless of which one they choose, there is a qualifying process in place. Pell Grants or grants of other types are just like a typical loan with one big difference. They do not have to be paid for by the student. A Pell Grant can allow for needy students to find a way into college.
Pell Grants are managed and maintained by the United States Government as are other other types of grants. Some of these are aimed at kids who have managed to maintain a high level of academic achievement through their high school years. Others are held strictly for those who are majoring in a specific program such as science or math.
Pell Grants are separated from other types of grants because they do not necessarily require a high grade point average and they are not limited to those students aiming to be scientists or math gurus. Instead they are provided for low-income students who have a real need for financial assistance, but some restrictions do apply.
One such restriction is citizenship. Anyone receiving a pell grant must be able to prove citizenship in the United States. They must also be able to show successful completion of high school or have obtained their GED. They are also required to provide proof of their low-income status.
The government measures many variables through the application process. When applying for a pell grant, the applicant must provide proof of their income and their assets. The same information must be provided for their parents. Other factors include the number of family members and the number of those who are also attending college.
Aside from the qualifications and variables assessed for applying for a grant, there are similar formulas and requirements that help to determine the ultimate dollar amount. The student’s income, if any, as well as that of their parents, is considered. The cost for tuition and whether they are full or part time will also factor in to the final amount granted.
Those who can prove their financial need and who receive a grant are being given the gift of education, however there are some limits, even for those who qualify. A student may only obtain a grant for one school in any given school year, and the maximum amount of any grant is limited to 5350 dollars. Also, applications must be received by the end of June for the following school year.
Pell Grants are an excellent way for those who can prove a financial need to attend college and obtain their post-secondary degree. Surviving the application process can be a challenge, however once obtained, a Grant could be the key to the future of a bright mind who might have otherwise missed a chance at higher learning.