The PELL Grant

spacer

I am new to Financial Aid. What is a PELL Grant?
What forms and documents will I need to apply for the PELL Grant?
Does the VC Financial Aid Office look at my VC grades and/or transcript?
Where can I get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
How soon should I apply for the PELL Grant if I want to attend VC in the Fall?
What if neither I nor my parents will file an income tax return?
How often do I have to apply for the PELL Grant?
How long does it take to get a PELL Grant?
So, now that I have my SAR with my EFC on it, now can I get my PELL Grant?
What if I forgot to list VC as one of the institutions to receive my SAR, or I need to change my address on my SAR?
Wait a minute--how many hours do I have to take to get a PELL Grant?
What is full-time enrollment?
One more question--I am transferring from another college and I have a PELL Grant. Will my PELL Grant transfer, too?
Where do I call if I have more questions?
When is the Financial Aid office open?
What is your address?

I am new to Financial Aid. What is a PELL Grant?

A PELL Grant is a grant from the federal government. PELL Grants are not loans and do not have to be paid back unless the student reduces his/her course load, never attends class, quits attending class or withdraws from school prior to the completion of the semester. At Vernon College (VC), PELL Grants are available to undergraduate students pursuing most Certificates or an Associate's Degree.

What forms and documents will I need to apply for the PELL Grant?

Apart from the information on your income tax return (and possibly your parents'), the form needed to apply for a PELL Grant is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should also be prepared to provide VC with copies of various documents, if requested. Some of these may include: income tax returns from you, your spouse, and/or your parents, documentation regarding other untaxed income, such as worker's compensation and disability. You will also need to complete an Admissions Application and have your High School or G.E.D. transcript, as well as all other college (or trade school) transcripts, on file at the Registrar's office. You must also indicate to the Admissions Office that you are seeking a degree or certificate offered at VC.
 

Does the VC Financial Aid Office look at my VC grades and/or transcript?

Yes! Students receiving financial aid must show satisfactory academic progress.

Where can I get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

It is available on the web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

How soon should I apply for the PELL Grant if I want to attend VC in the Fall?

As soon as you have completed your 2008 income tax return--the sooner, the better.

What if neither I nor my parents will file an income tax return?

Then you may send in your FAFSA as soon as you wish. (There is a space for you to indicate that you will not be filing an income tax return.)

How often do I have to apply for the PELL Grant?

Just once a year. The 2009-2010 FAFSA will cover the Fall 2009 through Summer 2010 semesters.

How long does it take to get a PELL Grant?

Well, that depends on you. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner you will know about your grant. We suggest you apply over the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report. That's what the government sends to you and VC once you have submitted your application. The Student Aid Report (SAR) lets us know if you may be eligible to receive a PELL Grant. On the SAR is an EFC number. The EFC, or Expected Family Contribution is what the federal government has determined you can contribute to your own education. Your award will be based on this EFC number.
 

So, now that I have my SAR with my EFC on it, now can I get my PELL Grant?

Well, not just yet. At this point there are some other forms to fill out, specific to VC. You may also be requested to supply us with copies of other documents. The whole process could take quite a bit of time, so, the sooner you start, the sooner you may receive a PELL Grant.

What if I forgot to list VC as one of the institutions to receive my SAR, or I need to change my address on my SAR?

You may make these changes or check on the status of your SAR over the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov or you may call 1-800-433-3243. VC must be listed in the school section. Our school code is 010060.

Wait a minute--how many hours do I have to take to get a PELL Grant?

You must be enrolled at least less-than-half-time to receive a PELL Grant. Please note that not all students who qualify for a full-time Pell Grant will be eligible at less than full-time enrollment.

What is full-time enrollment?

Any student who is enrolled in 12 or more hours in a semester is considered a full-time student.

One more question--I am transferring from another college and I have a PELL Grant. Will my PELL Grant transfer, too?

If you are eligible for a PELL Grant at another institution, chances are that you will be eligible for a PELL Grant at VC. However, you must submit a Student Aid Report to VC, as well as the other paperwork required to process a PELL Grant at VC.

Where do I call if I have more questions?

For questions concerning Veteran's Benefits, please call Debbie Alexander at (940) 696-8752 ext. 3203. For any other questions concerning Financial Aid, please call the Financial Aid office in Vernon at (940) 552-6291 ext. 2206 or in Wichita Falls at (940) 696-8752 ext. 3203.

When is the Financial Aid office open?

Regular office hours are: 8:00 a.m.--5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m.--12:00 p.m., Friday. Summer hours are 7:45 a.m.--5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday and closed Friday.

What is your address?

Our address is:
Vernon College
4400 College Drive
Vernon, Texas 76384
separator bar

Financial Aid Home Page spacerFrequently Asked Questions spacerFinancial Aid Calendar

Types of Aid spacer How to Apply

disclaimer