A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are
awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional
degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post baccalaureate teacher
certification program might receive a Pell Grant.)
How much can I get?
The maximum award for the 2009-2010 award year (July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010)
is $5,350. The amount you get will depend not only on your financial need, but also
on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student,
and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
If I'm eligible, how will I get the Pell Grant money?
Your school can apply Pell Grant funds to your school costs, pay you directly (usually
by check), or combine these methods. The school must tell you in writing how much
your award will be and how and when you'll be paid. Schools must disburse funds
at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter). Schools that do not use
semesters, trimesters, or quarters must disburse funds at least twice per academic
year.