The
Pell Grant program is the largest federal student grant program. Pell grant is the foundation to a student's financial aid package. Pell is an entitlement program, which means, if the student meets all requirements, they will receive a Pell Grant. Eligibility for a Pell Grant is determined by the federal government. Students are eligible to receive a Pell Grant at Porterville College for a maximum time frame of 90 attempted units based on academic progress. Attendance at other institutions will be considered in determining eligibility whether or not financial aid was received.
Where do I apply?
To get a Pell grant, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Some Requirements
- Federal Pell Grant regulations require enrollment in an eligible program leading to a degree, certificate, or transfer requirements.
- Federal Pell Grant payments will be adjusted based upon your enrollment status at the time each payment is processed. However, if you drop units at any time during the semester, you may not be eligible to receive further payment and/or you may owe all or a portion of your first payment to the institution and/or the U.S. Department of Education. See Return to Title IV Alert on homepage of Financial Aid website.
- Enrollment status includes only eligible units as outlined in the Terms of Agreement/Satisfactory Academic Progress Regulations found in the Financial Aid section of the site.
How much will I receive?
The amount of your Federal Pell Grant award has been calculated from the information reported on your Student Aid Report (SAR) and is based upon your enrollment in 12 or more eligible units each semester.
When will I receive payment?
The Fall & Spring payments will be calculated based on enrollment one week prior to the beginning of the semester.
Payments will be issued on the Friday prior to the start of the semester. ½ of the award is issued in the Fall, ½ of the award is issued in the Spring. There are 3 (three) disbursements each semester. See below
Important Disbursment Information for Pell Grants
Effective Fall 2015, Pell Grants will be disbursed in THREE payments each semester (first disbursement: 30%, second disbursement: 20%, third disbursement: 50%) according to the disbursement schedule. The amount of your disbursement is based on the number of units you are actively enrolled in 7 days prior to the disbursement date.
- If you drop units, your second disbursement will be
adjusted/reduced/canceled.
- If you drop units, you may be in overpayment. You will be notified of the overpayment by mail.
- If you are not enrolled full-time, your Pell Grant will be prorated as follows:
- 12 or more units, No adjustment, 100% of award
- 9 - 11.5 units, 75% of award letter amount (Semester Award x 0.75)
- 6 - 8.5 units, 50% of award letter amount (Semester Award x 0.50)
- 0.5 - 5.5 units, Contact a Financial Aid Technician