Students may use their Pell Grants (formerly Basic Educational Opportunity Grants) at any of estimated 5,400 participating post-secondary institutions. The U.S. Department of Education determines a student's financial need based on the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Grant amounts vary and depend on a number of factors: the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the tuition of a particular participating educational institution, full-time or part-time enrollment status, and duration of attendance for a full or partial academic year.
Basic Educational Opportunity (Pell) Grants award money for college tuition through participating institutions to undergraduate students who demonstrate a need for financial assistance or to students enrolled in specific post-baccalaureate programs, such as teacher certification or licensure. Most education grants are between $100 and $4,000.
To obtain a Basic Educational Opportunity (Pell) Grant, a student must complete and file the FAFSA application. Grants are awarded to students with demonstrated need to attend or stay in college, as well as to individuals pursing certain career paths, such as education, nursing, and mathematics. Students who are uncertain about their future career choice may be wise to consider these areas not only because graduates are in great demand, but also because of the possibility of obtaining federal grant money to help fund the cost of their education.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available at www.fafsa.edu.gov.