<p>I have a question about the Pell Grant. If I get awarded the Pell Grant, and I don't use the entire amount towards tuition/fees/books, will they give me back the remainder so I can use it towards other educational expenses? </p>
<p>I took two classes this semester, paid for out of my own pocket, because my Pell Grant award isn't effective until Jan 2015. When I get the Pell Grant in January 2015, I'll have about $900 left over (because I already took- and paid for- those classes in the Fall of 2014). I'd like to know if they will give me that extra $900 so I can pay off my credit cards that I had to charge my tuition onto.</p>
<p>Yes, your school will issue you that refund to cover your additional expenses if your current term balance has been paid for. However, you mention January 2015. Is that the start of your spring semester? If so, it could be possible that the Pell will pay for your spring classes…</p>
<p>Wow thanks for the fast response! Do they always issue the refund if you have some left over? Or is it up to the school?</p>
<p>Yes, January 2015 is the Spring semester and is the semester for which I was awarded the grant. So for the fall semester (that we are in currently), I had to pay out of pocket. However, I see that the amount of the grant will be more than I need for my spring classes, due in part to me already starting (and paid out of pocket for) classes this semester (fall 2014). SoI in other words that’s two classes less that I will have to take in the Spring. So I’ll have about $900 left over from that Pell Grant I wondered if they will definitely give that back to me so I can pay off the credit card charges for my Fall tuition.</p>
<p>Ok, that makes more sense. Thank you for clarifying. Your school will create a budget for you of all of your expenses, so as long as the Pell Grant does not exceed your total COA - they will issue you that money back. You then can use it to refund yourself for the fall. </p>
As long as the credit hours of your Spring classes qualify you as full-time student (Fall classes do not factor into the consideration), you will get the full amount of Pell Grant that awarded to you. And if there is any Pell Grants left after the school applied toward your tuition/fees/room & board expenses, you will get the refund.</p>
<p>So, if the school says 12 credit hours is full-time student and you will be taking 12 credit hours in Spring term; you will get the full amount of the Pell Grant (per term)</p>
<p>I am very confused about why you are not eligible for the grant this fall. Can you please explain your situation? I work in financial aid, so I want to make sure you aren’t missing out on something you should be receiving.</p>