Pell Grants

The Federal government provides Federal Pell Grants of up to $4,500 per academic year to cover the costs of your educational expenses. Unlike student loans, you generally don't need to repay a Pell Grant unless your student status changes. As a student seeking an online bachelor's degree, you may qualify for a Pell Grant. There's no age limit for a Pell Grant, either.

Pell Grant Eligibility Requirements
Your Pell Grant eligibility depends on the income and asset information you submit on the FAFSA. If you are a dependant student, information on the FAFSA determines how much the government calculates your family should be able to contribute toward your education. The Pell Grant amount you receive depends on your education costs as well as your enrollment status. In order to get the maximum amount for which you are eligible, you must attend full time. If you receive a Pell Grant based on full-time status, and you drop to part-time status or leave school, you may be required to repay some or all of your Pell Grant funds.

How to Apply
Complete a FAFSA to have your eligibility for Pell Grant automatically determined. You can contact your school's financial aid office to check your Pell Grant eligibility.

Keep Your Information Current and Honest
Despite what some online scammers might suggest, there's no application fee for a Pell Grant, and there's no secret formula to keep or maintain the grant. Because your application information is checked against tax return records, it's crucial that you're honest on your FAFSA. Dishonesty on your FAFSA can keep you from getting a Pell Grant and can even disqualify you from attending school altogether. Use current information on your application. If your income or enrollment status changes, contact your school's financial aid office as soon as possible to update your paperwork.