Receiving a grant for college is probably one of the best ways to pay for school. It’s money that is handed to you depending on your needs and unlike loans, this money does not need to be paid back.
The Pell Grant is provided by the government through finishing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The U.S. Department of Education will use the information filled out in the FAFSA to determine how much money is to be given to the individual.
The FAFSA website provides all the information that is needed to be eligible for the Pell Grant:
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Demonstrating financial need.
- Be an undergraduate that has not yet received a bachelor’s degree.
- Maintain in good academic standing throughout the education years.
Besides these qualifications, there are also different ones if the individual is male, has a disability, is a noncitizen, or someone with criminal convictions. Be sure to check on FAFSA’s website to ensure if you are eligible.
This particular grant can last up to six years of full-time schooling. If money is to be received, the government will communicate with the institution and the money will go directly there.
Any funds that are left over after paying for tuition, books, dorms, and other fees will then go directly to the student.
Most schools have a deadline for the FAFSA application, but in Utah, anyone can apply as long as there is money to give out. However, Salt Lake Community College has set a priority deadline.
The priority deadline for the fall 2019 semester is April 15. If you are an individual who needs financial aid, be sure to hit this deadline.
There’s a common misconception among students that they will not receive any aid, so they just don’t apply.
“If you don’t apply, then you’re not eligible,” says Fernando Alzerreca, a financial aid advisor at SLCC. “You would be surprised at how many other resources come available by applying. There are scholarships that have the application for its requirements.”
Always apply, even if you don’t think you have a chance. Who knows? The government has a lot of money to give out and you might be one of the lucky ones.
If you have a Pell Grant already but need more funds, SLCC Promise is a grant that will cover tuition and other fees. Eligibility requirements for the SLCC Promise include:
- Be a Utah resident.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant.
- Take 12+ credit hours in Spring and Fall, or 6+ in Summer.
- Meet with an Academic Advisor.
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete 70 percent of attempted courses.
Along with grants that an individual can receive, there are an array of scholarships that SLCC offers that can be matched to the major and needs of a student.
“SLCC offers a website where students sign in with their information and the website generates scholarships that match up with your qualifications,” says Alzerreca. “When matched, the [site] will notify the student to take action.”
Visit the Financial Aid website and office for more information.
