Comments on: How Do Federal Pell Grants Work?

By: Amber Marie

Amber Marie — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:15:38 +0000

Neither. The money goes straight to the school to pay for your tuition and books. 30 days after classes start you will get a check for the leftover from that semester.

By: illyaya

illyaya — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:26:31 +0000

I agree with the second answer. I have been getting pell for 2 years. The school gets all the money in lump sum. Most school divide it into 2 payments (2 semesters a year, it is your choice because you can always go to school in the summer or you can go full-time one semester and part-time the 2 (in this case the you would receive 1/2 for the semester you went full-time and then the second half will be divided between the other 2 semesters)). If the money is not avail. usually you can still get your books through the school bookstore. I would not recommend because I pay 1/3 of what my books cost for other sources. The refund comes to you in the form of a check or it can be electronically deposited in the your higher learning checking account. They give you a debit card and you can order checks if you like. Good luck.

By: Suba

Suba — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:38:45 +0000

The check will go to your school. 1/2 of it fall semester and 1/2 of it spring semester. They will keep what you owe them for tuition, fees and on campus bookstore charges and send you a refund if there’s any left over. Most schools have a system in place where they “loan” you the money and let you charge your books if your Pell Grant money hasn’t arrived. Contact your financial aid adviser at your school.