New Pell Grant Limitations

[sweettea]

I just received an email from the powers that be that if you have six or more years of Pell grant money, you are no longer applicable for more starting this fall.


**This is just to give others a heads up, in case they NEED or are using the grant.**

[rebel100]

I realize this may hurt some people. The PELL grant is intended for Bachelors degrees and I think it's more than fair that they allow you to access the funds for an additional 2 years beyond the norm. With the abuse/misuse of college funding being so widespread its fortunate they didn't impose stricter limits than this.

I also understand that we can expect cuts to the PELL grant amounts in the next few years.

I support this type of need based aid...I used it for three semesters myself... but its also right that there be limits to the handout. People need to take personal responsibility, work smart, and make the most of their opportunities. I think this sort of change will encourage that.

[marianne202]

I agree with Rebel. As a college instructor I have seen so much abuse of this system it really has hurt the program for everyone. We have some students that have been using Pell grant money to live on for 20 years. We have some that have raised families on Pell grant funding all without earning a degree! They now have their kids abusing the system and it goes on and on. I think the new rules are more than fair. I have several students in my program that have used up their funding and will have to pay out of pocket to finish their degree...if they really want to. Most just keep changing majors every few years to keep getting money, so most don't really want an actual degree. The new rules allow for everyone who is serious about earning a degree the funds to help them.

[frankiebleyes]

Never got a Pell Grant myself. Never collected from my GI benefits either, lost them before I could. Never got a loan until this year and that was for the benefit of my son. Didn't have the money so didn't go to school until I did. Put four kids through school and paid each and every dime out of pocket. They worked and i worked two jobs. Pell Grant is for those with low income, but I thnk the limitations are more than fair. If you want it you will find a way and if you don't, well do without.