Pell Grants

Pell Grants are the heart of education grant programs. A Federal Pell Grant is also the foundation for financial aid. This great grant was formerly called: Basic Educational Opportunity Grants (BEOGs). It is your first funding when it comes to college financial help. Other types of financial aid and other grants supplement this grant. As with most of the grants this award does not have to be repaid. This grant program carries the most money and is the first grant you will be considered for when you submit your FAFSA application.

In 2009-2010 the average award for one academic year for the Pell Grant was $3,611. President Obama has proposed to increase the grant budget. The new proposal would raise the maximum Pell Grant award by $200, to $5,550 for the 2010-11 academic year. This would make additional 260,000 students eligible for this program.

The award amount for this grant depends on: students expected family contribution, cost of attendance, students enrollment status, whether the student attends for a full year or less.

Where to Apply
Federal Student Aid Information
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fpg/index.html