Federal PELL Grant Requirements are Easy to Meet

Most people would be considered crazy to leave free money on the table, especially when it comes to student loans. Simply filling out the FAFSA application form could ultimately result in being given a PELL grant from the government to pay for your college tuition.

Unfortunately there are some requirements to be eligible for these loans. They are indeed free, but only to those eligible. Eligibility rules for these grants are fairly simple to meet. The most important is that you must agree to only spend the grant on college costs. This is fairly easy to abide by as the grants are sent right to your college & applied to your account. If you receive a refund in the amount of your entire PELL grant though make sure to only use it on college costs, preferably the next semester.

The other requirements are a little more involved. But first, simply file the FAFSA to see if you can get these grants. You cannot be in jail when you apply for these grants & if while you're receiving these grants you commit a crime you may be banned from ever receiving them again.

You must be a US citizen or eligible for citizenship to acquire a grant. Simply having a social security number usually meets this criteria. You have to have proof you graduated high school, whether it be a diploma, GED or equivalent. Finally, you must be registered with Selective Service, which also allows you to vote. Once you turn 18 you will receive a mailing from them asking you to register.

Following these simple requirements will put you well on your way to being able to say you have received free money for college. In some occasions filing your FAFSA form will also show you loans you can take if you do not qualify for PELL grants. But in most cases you should qualify for PELL grants. The amount you will receive depends on three main factors: how much you earn, how much your parents earn (assuming you aren't an adult living on your own) & the cost of the college you attend. So even if your parents are fairly wealthy if you attend an expensive college you should qualify for some PELL grants.

Federal PELL grant requirements aren't difficult to follow & are pretty easy to meet the criteria for. However, when filing your FAFSA don't assume the PELL grants will "pay your way" as currently you may only receive $5,500 per academic year (fall & spring semester) & the rate usually doesn't fluctuate up for three or four years. But who can pass up free money for college?