Federal Pell Grant

Some of this information is from the "Student Guide" published by the U.S. Department of Education.

What is a Federal Pell Grant?

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. (A professional degree would include a degree in a field such as pharmacy or dentistry.) For many students, Pell Grant provides a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.

How do I qualify?

To determine if you're eligible financially, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information you report when you apply (by filing the FAFSA). (Refer to the "Need" article in news update.) The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) contains this number and will tell you if you're eligible. A Pell award will appear on the Award Notification letter for those students receiving this award. You must reapply for financial aid each year. 

Enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress

All financial aid is awarded subject to acceptance or readmission to the University as a regular degree seeking student. A student is eligible for financial assistance if she/he maintains satisfactory academic progress. This progress is reviewed at the end of each spring and/or summer term for the succeeding academic year. Satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes requires that the student maintain a minimum gpa and make progress toward their degree.

The minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress standards required to receive aid is available from the Financial Aid Web Site. It is also listed in the Academic Policies section of the Radford University Catalog. Fall applicants who failed to meet the minimum standards will have their academic records reviewed at the end of fall semester. At this time financial assistance, if available, may be awarded to students who have reached the satisfactory level. A student who wishes to appeal the denial of financial aid must first have his/her case reviewed by their Financial Aid Counselor. If the student is not satisfied with the Director's decision, a further appeal can be made to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal form is available in the Financial Aid Office.

How much money can I get?

The maximum award for the 2009-10 award year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) is $5,350. You can receive only one Pell Grant in an award year. How much you get will depend not only on your EFC but on your cost of attendance, whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. You may no receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Can I receive a Pell Grant if I am enrolled less than half time?

Yes, some students who are eligible for full Pell awards may be eligible to receive Pell with less than half-time hours. You won't receive as much as if you were enrolled full time. You should contact RU's Financial Aid Office.

How will I be paid at Radford University?

If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, it will be listed on your award letter as part of your financial aid package. The total amount of your financial aid as shown on your award notification will be paid in installments. Generally, one-half of each award may be disbursed to you upon completion of the verification/review of your file and acceptance of your award. Acceptance of your financial assistance takes place by signing and returning one copy of your financial aid notification letter. To complete the verification/review process, send all requested information to the Financial Aid Office as quickly as possible. You can check the status of your financial aid application by using the RU Student Information System. After your Pell Grant award has been verified, it will be credited to your student account. Any credit balance remaining on your student account after all University charges have been paid, will be mailed to you after the beginning of the semester.