Fafsa, Pell grant, financial aid

[allvia]

The amount of your award can absolutely vary by school, so it's worth looking at Plan B or Plan C schools if nothing else to see what kind of Pell you get.  While she might get the max at one school, she could get it at another.  It's worth looking into.  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/next-...calculated

I agree that the amount of the total award can vary, but the flexible part of that are the loan amounts. When it comes to the grant(s) portion is proportional to the EFC.  

To the OP you should see if your state has a direct apply for aid as well, since you have qualified for a (federal) Pell Grant you may be eligible for more through the state, and many states do not require their grants to be used 'in-state'.  You don't automatically apply for your local state aid when you fill out the FAFSA, although they will require that you to complete the FAFSA first (which you have already done)

Edit: Here is the TN link for Money for College - https://www.tn.gov/collegepays/money-for-college.html

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In-state school makes sense, or going slower so that the grant covers more of the tuition. For some people, a loan might be worth it so they can finish sooner and start earning more.

I think you know already, but for most people, a Pell will not cover thousands of the costs for TESU.

Work-study programs or scholarships could be options.

Unfortunately, some grants(like the Pell) only work if you're going to school full time(12 credits per semester or whatever that schools equivalent is).

You can receive the Pell Grant for half-time study, which is 6 semester hours per semester (or 6 months for schools on non-traditional schedules). You'll just receive half your award.

As sanantone stated Pell Grants can be used for half-time, and are prorated accordingly. Financial aid of any type generally require at least half-time enrollment.   And it could be possible to cover the TESU Comprehensive Tuition Plan with grants (although the max Pell alone would be about $1500 short, and not cover any books and the such - this based on NJ in-state or study.com affiliate discount).  In this case that the OP shared the out of state option vs in-state didn't matter for ASU, as it was pointed out that the online program is cost equivalent to in-state rates for all - also, the OP is planning FT enrollment.