Pell Grants and FAFSA

A while back, roughly 5 years, I wanted to get into a college and had heard about grants the government provides. I remembered in high school we could apply for FAFSA funding – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. At the time I thought I didn’t qualify, usually you have to make under a certain amount to be eligible.

Turns out I was eligible if I filed by myself on just my income. That was good for roughly one semester of school, this helped so much. Next I heard the Pell Grant was available. This seemed to have the same requirements and only required you fill out a form, just like FAFSA. I qualified for that my first year as well. It is my understanding that you can apply for these grants every year and some every semester. Grants like these are overall invaluable to a struggling college student.

Most of these type of grant are eligible to be used at any institution. They only require you fill out a form where you state your total net income for the year and some other basic information. Its also my understanding that the Pell Grant is available for undergraduates only, whereas the FAFSA grants can benefit any college bound student.

On a personal note and having been helped by grants in the past, if you are reading this and thinking its not worth the time filling out and application for these, just think of all the money you’d save and could effectively use towards something else.