<p>An old thread was resurrected recently, in which someone pointed out that the Pell grant lifetime limit is retroactive to all Pell received in the student's academic career. The thread had said that Pell would only be counted as of 08-09. At the time that particular post was made, this was correct. Financial aid regulations change, and this is why it is very important not to necessarily go off old threads for important information.</p>
<p>Every student needs to know about the National Student Loan Data System, which really ought to be renamed because it also has information about government grants the student has received. Here is what is on National</a> Student Loan Data System for Students:
"What information is available to me through the NSLDS Student Access web site?
You can use the web site to make inquiries about your Title IV loans and/or grants. The site displays information on loan and/or grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements. The Glossary of Terms contains information on terms relating to loans and grants."</p>
<p>Students should go to this website to understand their aid and to find out the answers to their questions. They should check it every time they have an aid disbursement, to be sure it is recorded correctly. They should keep all personal information updated in the system (new email or mailing address? Update it in NSLDS!).</p>
<p>Taking responsibility for understanding your financial aid, and for monitoring your loan information, is very important.</p>