Latest News & Information   Helpful Pell Grant Links

Click here to watch the Congressman's floor speech.

President Bush signed The College Cost Reduction Act (HR 2669) into law on September 27, 2007.

The bill was passed by both chambers on Friday, September 7, 2007.

The tallies were:
Senate 79-12
House 291-97

Click here to read Congressman Keller's Editorial.

Keller Praises Education Budget, Pell Grants on House Floor:
Click here to see video of Congressman Keller's floor speech on Pell Grants and education funding.

What is a Federal Pell Grant?
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. It is awarded to financially-needy undergraduate students and in some instances those attending a post-baccalaureate teacher certificate program to help pay for postsecondary education.

How does one qualify?
The US Department of Education uses a standard formula to determine if one is eligible. This formula, calculated once a student completes the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), determines the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and if it falls within a certain amount, one is eligible for a Pell Grant.

Maximum Pell Grant - EFC = Pell Award

How much money can one receive?
Congress has recently passed a substantial increase in the maximum award for Pell Grants. This increase will bring the maximum award amount from its current level of $4,310 to $5,400 by 2012. The increase is gradual over five years.

Academic Year Maximum Award
2007-2008 $4,310
2008-2009 $4,800
2009-2010 $4,800
2010-2011 $5,000
2011-2012 $5,000
2012 -2013 $5,400

How does one receive the money?
The school can credit the funds to the student's account, they can write the student a check, or combine these methods. The school is required to notify the student in writing how much they will be receiving.

What population does the Pell Grant generally serve?
Pell Grant recipients are as diverse as the student population. In 2006, more than 5.3 million undergraduates will receive a Pell Grant.

Information Provided by the Department of Education and the American Council on Education.

 

Pell Grant Fast Facts:

  • Of the students who applied for Federal Student Aid in 2005-2006, 49.1% were eligible for a Pell Grant.
  • 57.1% of Pell Grant recipients report a family income of $20,000 or less.
  • 35.5% of Pell recipients attend public two-year colleges, while 45.1% attend public four-year colleges.

Current Pell Grant Caucus Members: