State/Pell grant, what is the minimum?

Question

I go a community college and they are saying my PROJECTED Pell Grant is $445 each semester, however when I am logging onto AES/PHEAA is telling me my grant will be $285 each semester. I was told the minimum grant was $445 per semester, but I am confused? Please shed some light.

Answer 1

Your Pell Grant amount is determined entirely by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) score that you received on the Student Aid Report that the Department of Education sent you. Go back and take a look at that number.

The minimum Pell Grant award for a FULL-TIME student is $890 for this year, so that would match with what your school is telling you - that is, if you are a full-time student.

If you registered for fewer than 12 credit hours, your Pell Grant award will be proportionately less. A 3/4 time student (9 credit hours) has a minimum award of $768, a 1/2 time student has a minimum award of $645, and a student who is only registered for 3 credit hours would be eligible for a minumum Pell Grant award of just $523 this year.

I don't see where the AES is getting $285, but the two obvious possibilities are that either they are talking about an additional grant other than the Pell -- or that you're not registered as a full-time student (or at least AES doesn't think you are).

Check with financial aid and get them to verify your actual award, based on your current registration status.

I hope this helped - good luck to you!