By: Steve Campbell
Submitted: 2012-02-21 17:27:54 | Word Count: 613
Pell grants for women are a popular method of helping to cover the costs of gaining a secondary education, be it online or in a traditional setting. Women of course are not the only students receiving Pell grants, but they make up a large portion of students returning to school during the economic recession that is currently gripping the nation. The protocol for women receiving grant monies is the same as it is for everyone, but women may be less knowledgeable about the various grants available for school related expenses, which could include child care while women are in classes.
Pell grant eligibility still depends upon the financial information given when students fill out the FASFA. One of the main determining factors to receiving Pell grants is the expected family contribution. Currently, the threshold for this figure is set at $5,273 per year. Those falling at or below this figure are eligible for a Pell grant. The exact amount of the grant is determined in this manner. The maximum Pell grant is currently at $5,550, but not all students will receive the maximum.
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Besides having to meet the criteria for expected family contribution, women must also meet additional criteria.
1. Women applying for Pell grants must be residents of the United States or be eligible non-citizens. Since the grant is given by the federal government only citizens and certain non-citizens may apply for the grant.
2. Woman must be attempting a first associates degree or bachelor's degree at an accredited secondary school. There are exceptions to this particular requirement as some post secondary schooling may qualify for the Pell grant. The programs that qualify for this exception are those that require certification. The most common exception recognized is for students who attend post secondary certification schooling in order to teach.
3. Woman must be enrolled in an accredited school. The school attended must be accredited in order to qualify for Pell grants. Women can find out if their school qualifies by asking the school directly or by searching the school's credentials online.
4. Women must not have student loans in default at the time of application. Student loans that have defaulted must be taken care of first in order for the student to apply for Pell grant
5. Women must not be incarcerated at the time of application.
6. Women must show financial need. The FASFA and the expected family contributions serve as proof of financial need.
