As a part-time student, you may think financial assistance is only available to full-time students. However, this is not the case. The federal government offers financial aid to part-time students through the Pell Grant program.
This blog article aims to provide an overview of the Pell Grant program, eligibility requirements for Pell grant part time students, and the pros and cons of taking a Pell Grant.
Pell Grants
The Pell Grant program is a need-based financial aid program funded by the federal government. The grant is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and meet other eligibility requirements. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid, making them a popular form of student financial aid.
Who Qualifies For A Pell Grant?
To be eligible for pell grant part time students, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be an undergraduate student without a bachelor's or professional degree
- You must demonstrate financial need, determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- You must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- You must have a valid Social Security number
- You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
- You must maintain satisfactory academic progress
Federal Requirements
According to the Federal Student Aid website, part-time students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour per term to be eligible for Pell Grants. Additionally, the amount of the Pell Grant awarded to a part-time student will be prorated based on the number of credit hours they are enrolled in.
Maximum Award Amounts
The maximum Pell Grant funding for students is $6,495 to $6,895 for the 2022-2023 academic year. However, the actual amount of the grant a student is eligible for will depend on their financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.
Credit Hours And Semester Length Requirements
To be eligible for a Pell Grant, part-time students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour per term. Additionally, the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in may affect the amount of the Pell Grant they are eligible for. Part-time students must also meet their school's minimum semester or term length requirements.
Family Contribution Requirements
The amount of financial need that a student has is determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated based on information provided on the FAFSA. Part-time students are subject to the same family contribution requirements as full-time students.
Other Eligibility Considerations
In addition to meeting the federal eligibility requirements, part-time students must also meet any additional eligibility requirements set by their school. For example, some schools may require part-time students to maintain a certain GPA or be enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours.
Pros And Cons Of Taking A Pell Grant As A Part-Time Student
Benefits: The biggest benefit of receiving a Pell Grant as a part-time student is its financial assistance. Pell Grants can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
Additionally, receiving a Pell Grant as a part-time student can help improve academic outcomes. Research has shown that students who receive financial aid are more likely to complete their degree on time and with higher grades.
Drawbacks: While there are many benefits to receiving a Pell Grant as a part-time student, there are also some drawbacks. One potential drawback is that the amount of the Pell Grant awarded to a part-time student may be less than what a full-time student would receive. This can make it more difficult for part-time students to cover the cost of their education.
Another potential drawback is that part-time students may have more difficulty meeting the academic requirements of their program. Part-time students often have to balance their studies with work and other responsibilities, making it challenging to maintain their school's minimum GPA or credit hour requirements.
Finally, it is important to note that receiving a Pell Grant can affect other forms of financial aid for which a student may be eligible. For example, some scholarships and grants may restrict the amount of financial aid a student can receive from other sources. Part-time students should carefully consider the impact of receiving a Pell Grant on their other financial aid options.
Get Financial Assistance For Part-Time Students
The pell grant part time students can offer vital financial assistance for pursing higher education. Part-time students must be enrolled in at least one credit hour per term and meet other federal and school-specific eligibility requirements to qualify. While there are many benefits to receiving a Pell Grant as a part-time student, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks before accepting the award. Overall, the Pell Grant program provides an important financial assistance source to part-time students working towards their undergraduate degrees.
Interested in financial aid solutions? Besides the Pell Grant for part-time students, there are grants available for grants aimed at tutoring low-income students. Discover the opportunities and how you can make a difference in our recent blog post. Let's foster education together!
If you are a teacher searching for grants to further your education, our Gov Relations resource on educational grants for teachers can help.
