What is a Pell Grant?
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree is typically earned after earning a bachelor's degree in a field such as medicine, law, or dentistry.) In some cases, you may receive a Pell Grant for attending a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.
How do I qualify?
To determine if you're eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to evaluate the information you report when you apply. The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) contains this number and will tell the Financial Aid Office if you're eligible.
How much money can I get?
How much you get will depend not only on your EFC but also on the GWC Cost Of Attendance (COA), whether you're a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend GWC for a full academic year or less. You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one college at a time.
How will I be paid?
Once your file has been reviewed, the Financial Aid Office will mail you a letter notifying you as to whether you are eligible for a Pell Grant. If you are eligible, the letter will tell you how much you may receive. Please make sure that the Financial Aid Office has the address that you want your check to be mailed.
Can I receive a Pell Grant if I am enrolled less than half-time?
Yes, if you're otherwise eligible. You won't receive as much as if you were enrolled full time.
What if I drop all of my classes?
Don’t drop all of your classes before checking with the Financial Aid Office. If you do drop your classes you may be responsible for paying a portion of your Pell Grant, along with other federal student aid, back to the federal government. To avoid this situation, please contact the GWC Financial Aid Office.
