How exactly does a Pell Grant Work?

Question

I have applied for and been approved for a Pell Grant ($2100 a semester) and a 100% Bright Futures scholarship, which pays for all of my tuition in a Florida public college. My question is do they physically give me the money as long as I am enrolled in college or do they send it to me school and then my school pays by bills and gives me the rest?

Answer 1

First of all, congratulations.  About two months after classes begin, depending on if you remained in the same amount of classes you enrolled in, you will be issued a refund.  The school gives you the money you have not used usually by an e-card.  My school has an e-card from Chase Bank that they issue refunds on...it is a debit/credit card.  Anyhow, the money is yours to do with what you want.  If you remain in school and keep up with their SAP guidelines, then you will receive another disbursement in the spring.  Of course, you have to apply every year.  And sometimes you have to let the school know you are interested in aid for summer so they can adjust your award.  Plus, you can view your status online through your college's web site and that will tell you exactly what you should expect to receive.

Answer 2

you wont get any money handed to you......

what happens is...the money will go to the school

the school will take out all the money they need for tuition and any other necessary fees....

than what ever is left over is yours to do whatever you want with it. normally by a mailed check....

at some schools you can pick you check up when its available....or get direct deposit straight into your bank account......