You can qualify for a Pell grant if you are enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate college degree program and meet the income requirements. The first step to getting a Pell grant, or any other federal aid, is filling out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your tax information form will be used to determine how much money your family will need to contribute to your student expenses. If the amount of your contribution is less than the student expenses listed by your college, you can apply for a Pell grant to help cover the difference.
Federal Pell Grants
Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave, SW
Washington, DC 20202
1-800-872-5327
www2.ed.gov
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a secondary grant that is available for students who have additional financial need. If your FAFSA score places you in the lowest level of expected family contribution, you qualify to apply for this supplemental grant.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Department of Education
830 1st Street, NE
Washington, DC 20202
1-800-872-5327
www2.ed.gov
Grants are also available for students who excel in their studies. The Academic Competitiveness Grant provides up to $750 for the first year and $1,300 for the second year for Pell Grant students who keep a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant provides $4,000 for Pell Grant students majoring in the sciences who maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Academic Competitiveness Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
Department of Education
550 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202
1-800-872-5327
www2.ed.gov
Many states provide grants in addition to federal student expense grants. For example, California offers several Cal grants which can be used to cover registration fees, living expenses and special fees for nursing programs. You can contact the California Student Aid Commission for more information about these grants.
California Student Aid Commission
Student Support Services Branch
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9027
1-888-224-7268
www.csac.ca.gov