The Pell Grant is designed to help lower-income students pay their expenses for post-secondary education. The grants range from $200 to $3,650 and both eligibility for a grant and the maximum amount a student might receive are determined by the family's financial circumstances. The financial information submitted by the applicant is analyzed according to the formula established by the federal government to determine the amount the family can contribute to the applicant's education.

If, according to the formula, the family contribution is less than $3,000, the student would be eligible to receive funds under this program. A grant, however, may not exceed one half of the total cost at the institution that the student wishes to attend.

Part-time students are eligible for Pell Grants, but their award would be reduced according to the amount of time the student is attending school (that is, half-time students would receive half of their grant).

Students may apply for a grant by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the same form used to apply for aid from most colleges and the state.

In either case, a Student Aid Report will be sent directly to the student, indicating whether or not he or she is eligible to receive a grant. This form will also indicate the Effective Family Contribution (EFC) that is being sent to the colleges. The student should then present the Student Aid Report to the financial-aid officer of the school or college he or she wishes to attend, who will determine the exact dollar amount of the grant at that particular institution.
Pell Grants may be used at colleges, vocational, technical, business schools and hospital schools of nursing, both public and private, profit and nonprofit.

This program is designed to promote achievement among students who show promise of continued excellence.

Eligibility - each high school in the state nominates a number of students for these awards. Awardees must attend a nonprofit degree-granting institution of higher education. Awards - $1,500 based on merit and are not renewable.

Eligibility - Outstanding high-school seniors who intend to major in physical, life or computer science, math or engineering. Minorities and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Awards - Up to $5,000 per year given to two (2) students in each congressional district chosen by the President of the United States.

This is a federal program administered by the states. For more information, you should contact your high-school guidance office or state financial-aid agency.

Veterans with four years of active duty could be eligible for up to $19,000 in educational benefits from the Montgomery G.I. Bill. In addition, the Army College Fund awards up to $50,000 in education benefits to those engaged in certain occupational specialities. The Navy College Fund is a similar program providing up to $30,000 additional education benefits.

Institutions approved for training include business, technical and vocational schools as well as colleges and universities. Benefits are also available for apprenticeships, on-the-job training and farm cooperatives.

Veterans who are eligible for these education benefits should contact the Veterans Affairs office at the college or school they plan to attend or contact the Veterans Administration office nearest their home or call 1-800-827-1000.

Some students who borrow from one or more of the Federal Loan Programs (Perkins, Stafford, etc.) may have some or all of their loans repaid by the Department of Defense, depending on the specialty enlisted in, and the length of the enlistment. Up to $65,000 in such loans may be repaid for an individual student who qualifies. (Check with your recruiter.)

If students or parents have any questions regarding federal financial-aid programs, the application procedure, the formulas used to determine eligibility or anything else pertaining to federal funds, they may call the information hotline at 1-800-433-3243.

Hospital schools of nursing, vocational schools, technical schools and business schools may participate in the Federal Stafford Loan Program, Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal College Work-Study Program, Pell Grants and Supplemental Grants programs provided they meet certain criteria established by the federal government.

Students should check directly with the school they wish to attend to determine whether these programs are available.