<p>Hiya,
I was expecting my school to split my Pell Grant award into two (Fall / Spring), but they have decided to split it into three and include the summer.
Do you think that I could somehow leave out the summer session, and have them split it in two? Or is this a case of this is just how my school does it's years? They gave no notice to this beforehand, and I didn't plan on attending in the summer before planning my courseload.</p>
<p>That is odd…contact your FA office about it. You may have checked a box somewhere by mistake. It’s customary to award Pell for two semesters and there is a second Pell grant available for extra sessions (with certain conditions met, of course).</p>
<p>I called one of my school’s campus’ (not mine, but they have multiple around my city) earlier today, and the Financial Aid office basically said that it can’t be changed to a Fall / Spring schedule, and that only loans can do that. I am going to call my campus tomorrow, right now it’s past their office hours.</p>
<p>And thanks for the reply, I was wondering if I was going insane by thinking that a two-semester disbursement was standard. I don’t recall ever saying which terms I am planning on attending, so I don’t think that’s the problem.</p>
<p>What school is this? Do their programs require year round study?</p>
<p>What was your EFC?</p>
<p>How much did they award you for each semester. They may have awarded you the correct amount for the 2 semesters, and then added more for summer which is optional for you to use.</p>
<p>Is this a private for profit institution? Some of these institutions have are under watch due to low retention rates and could possibly be wanting you to stay on till summer to prove retention. Some of these institutions could loose their ability to give Pell grants and hence are doing everything to ensure students return.</p>
<p>Tell me your EFC and the total Pell award & I will explain. I THINK I know what is going on here …</p>
<p>@ sk8rmom CNM, based in Albuquerque, NM. The state’s community college.</p>
<p>@ mom2collegekids & @kelsmom EFC is 930, was awarded $4600. $1533 to be distributed each in Fall / Spring / Summer.</p>
<p>Are you signed up to go to school full time or part time?</p>
<p>With an EFC of 930, your award should be $4600 for two full-time semesters. If you’re registered full time, then ask for the FA to be changed.</p>
<p>Perhaps the problem is the COA is too low for this school. What is the COA? </p>
<p>Not sure, but since Pell is an entitlement, if you’re going to school full time, I think you should get the full amount over 2 semesters.</p>
<p>Yes, it should be all in 2 semesters (unless it’s a trimester school, of course).</p>
<p>I called and got some more information. CNM <em>IS</em> a trimester school. >_<</p>
<p>Well, I guess I should’ve already known that, but I never saw it mentioned anywhere. They also said that it couldn’t be changed.</p>
<p>So, it looks like I am probably stuck with it being split into three. Thanks for your assistance (again), this place is so helpful. :)</p>