Figuring out how you will pay for college can be stressful and exhausting. There are many funding opportunities, and it’s difficult to determine what you qualify for and how to apply. The Pell Grant, a federally-funded grant, is an excellent source of money for students with high financial need. In order to get the Pell Grant you must fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend completing the FAFSA as soon as possible so you don’t have to worry about it later.
So, what is a grant? Unlike loans, grants are not expected to be paid back. That’s free money to help you achieve your education goals! And unlike other federal student aid, the Pell Grant can be used to cover more than just tuition and fees, like books, transportation, housing and other living expenses.
HOW DO I GET THE PELL GRANT?
First, complete the FAFSA!
Remember to add PSU as one of your colleges when you fill out the FAFSA (if you’ve already submitted it, you can go back in and add us).The amount you can receive with the Pell Grant is based on financial need, cost of enrollment, and the length of time you will be in college. If you’re not ready to complete the FAFSA, you can still estimate your Pell Grant award with the Federal Student Aid Estimator.
Check out our blog post dedicated to demystifying the FAFSA.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PELL GRANT
The Pell Grant provides funding for students to get their education. Here are the eligibility factors:
- Financial need: Financial need is calculated based on cost of attendance and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and it’s calculated when you fill out the FAFSA. Once you complete the FAFSA, it will tell you (and PSU, if you add PSU as one of your schools) if you are eligible.
- Enrollment: You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a participating institution—PSU is one!
- Student status: You must have earned a high school diploma, completed an approved home-school education through the high school level or earned a GED. You must also be an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s, associate or professional degree.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
* Undocumented students cannot receive federal grants, but they can receive state grants by filling out the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA).
OTHER WAYS PSU IS MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE
Pell Grant eligible students may be able to defer their application fee, meaning they can apply to PSU and pay the fee on their first tuition bill. Students who are Pell Grant eligible are often eligible for other funding programs through PSU, including:
- Tuition Free Degree: PSU will cover standard tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Oregon students.
Our goal is to have students graduate on time with as little debt as possible. So if you qualify for the Pell Grant, don’t forget to check out other scholarships we offer.
You can always contact us for more information about the Pell Grant and other sources of funding.
PSU is Oregon’s most diverse, innovative and affordable research university. Apply today.