pell grant???

Question

i got award the pell grant for $4050 for colloge but i siads i only get it nov 9,06 and school starts in sep 06. does that meen i have to pay for my classes and book intill then. and how does it work. do i get a check or does the school have control of it and if the school has control of it an i need books what do i do. i just don't know how this hole thing works?

Answer 1

Usually, when a school knows that a student will be receiving financial aid, they will deduct this aid from the student's bill (calling it "anticipated" or "expected" aid). If your financial aid exceeds your charges, you will eventually be entitled to a refund. If not, you might still owe the school money.

Pell Grants will never be paid directly from the government to you. After the start of classes, the school will confirm your eligibility (enrollment, courseload, financial need, etc.) and will request the money from the government. When the funds arrive, your school will deposit them into your student account. They will first use the funds to pay for any amount that you owe the school. Then, if there is money left over, they will cut you a check for the remainder.

Now, this process does tend to take a while -- but I can't envision it taking two months. It is possible that your school chooses to wait until after "add/drop" period before disbursing Pell Grant funds to anyone, but add/drop is generally much sooner than November. Call the school and politely ask them what their policy is, or why they must disburse your funds so late. Explain to them that you planned on using your financial aid to help you pay for non-billable charges (like books) and ask what your financing options are.

Answer 2

Hmm...that's weird. Maybe it's a misprint on your aid package? You should get your grant credited to your account as soon as the academic year starts. Talk to your school's financial aid dept. Your grant will go directly to the school, so you still have to have money for books and stuff. Grants and federal loans are usually just for tuition and room and board. If you still need some help, ask the fin. aid dept. if they offer in-school grants and loans.