My EFC is zero how much should i expect in a pell grant?

Question

i have a big family so my EFC is 0 (that means i get a free ride right) but idk if that will cover off campus housing, i dont think that it does so i was woundering if a pell grant will. if so how much should i expect to get from that with an ECF of 0?

Answer 1

If your EFC is 0 it does not necessarily mean you are going to get a "Free Ride".  It depends on the school you choose and the cost of your tuition.

For next year (Fall 08 and Spring 09) the max Pell grant is around 4,700 for the year.  Weather it will pay your housing depends on how expensive your tuition is.  If you attend a cheap school with a tuition of less than this amount -- it will... if you choose to attend an expensive school with tuition alone costing you over this amount, then no.. it won't pay for your housing.  

If you choose to attend a community college and don't live in the dorms and the tuition and fees are only 1500 a semester, then you would get the remainder of Pell issued directly to you to help pay your living expenses.

Here is a good book about fin aid.

Answer 2

i believe you get the full benefit of pell grant plus other grants.  the college determines the amount you get. good luck