Friday, July 31st, 2009

How do Federal Pell Grants work?

So i was approved for a Federal Pell Grant. It said up to 5300 a year to be used towards college and books. But what i need to know is how/when do i get the money from this Grant? Do i have to pay for the classes up front then they send me a check and repay me? Or do they send me a check first?

The check will go to your school. 1/2 of it fall semester and 1/2 of it spring semester. They will keep what you owe them for tuition, fees and on campus bookstore charges and send you a refund if there’s any left over. Most schools have a system in place where they "loan" you the money and let you charge your books if your Pell Grant money hasn’t arrived. Contact your financial aid adviser at your school.

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3 Responses to “How do Federal Pell Grants work?”

Suba Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 5:47 pm

The check will go to your school. 1/2 of it fall semester and 1/2 of it spring semester. They will keep what you owe them for tuition, fees and on campus bookstore charges and send you a refund if there’s any left over. Most schools have a system in place where they "loan" you the money and let you charge your books if your Pell Grant money hasn’t arrived. Contact your financial aid adviser at your school.
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Amber Marie Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 6:15 pm

Neither. The money goes straight to the school to pay for your tuition and books. 30 days after classes start you will get a check for the leftover from that semester.
References :

illyaya Says:
July 31st, 2009 at 6:25 pm

I agree with the second answer. I have been getting pell for 2 years. The school gets all the money in lump sum. Most school divide it into 2 payments (2 semesters a year, it is your choice because you can always go to school in the summer or you can go full-time one semester and part-time the 2 (in this case the you would receive 1/2 for the semester you went full-time and then the second half will be divided between the other 2 semesters)). If the money is not avail. usually you can still get your books through the school bookstore. I would not recommend because I pay 1/3 of what my books cost for other sources. The refund comes to you in the form of a check or it can be electronically deposited in the your higher learning checking account. They give you a debit card and you can order checks if you like. Good luck.
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