Pell Grant Requirements

Pell grants would help almost anyone to pay for school. Who wouldn't want to get money for school that's basically free. With these grants you don't have to pay interest in fact you don't even have to pay them back. The government gives you money and as long as you use it to pay for school, it's yours to keep.

However, not everyone can use Pell grants. The government doesn't give them to everyone. That said, there are some specific things that the government uses to determine your eligibility. You must generally meet all of the Pell grant requirements to be able to use them. This article will teach you about these requirements and will also serve as a general guide that you can use to make yourself more eligible.

This lesson will also help you to see that there are other options available for people that can't get Pell grants and there is also additional money available for people that can get them. Pell grants are amazing but generally don't pay for your entire education. They are more like a supplement that generally covers the cost of tuition.

Having Financial Need

These grants are only available to people that need them. If your family could help you to pay for school, the federal government will not allow you to get these grants because they believe that your familiy should be helping you in this situation.

High School Graduate

These grants are only available to those who have finished high school, or an equivalent degree. GEDs are generally accepted.

U.S. Citizens Only

Pell grants are only available to citizens of the United States. There are of course multiple ways to gain citizenship and the method you use doesn't matter.

Maintain Passing Grades

If you start failing classes, you will lose your eligibility for Pell grants. You must continue to pass your classes and do satisfactorily well to keep getting these funds.