Pell Grant and 4 disbursements vs 3?

[ncpenn]

Hello all,

I've been awarded a Pell Grant and it's currently set up to be disbursed in four equal amounts over the next year. The thing is I'd like to have it in 3 pieces vs. four because of how I'm going to be taking courses.

So, my question is, has anyone had is divided into other increments besides four chunks? If so, how any details on the why/how would be much appreciated. I've got an email into TESC about redividing it, but I wanted to see if there was an precedent for it among you all, or if I'm all wet on this.


Thanks!

[cookderosa]

Hello all,

I've been awarded a Pell Grant and it's currently set up to be disbursed in four equal amounts over the next year. The thing is I'd like to have it in 3 pieces vs. four because of how I'm going to be taking courses.

So, my question is, has anyone had is divided into other increments besides four chunks? If so, how any details on the why/how would be much appreciated. I've got an email into TESC about redividing it, but I wanted to see if there was an precedent for it among you all, or if I'm all wet on this.


Thanks!

I don't think that's an option, or it didn't used to be. I had to take mine in 4.

[mrs.b]

I don't think that's an option, or it didn't used to be. I had to take mine in 4.

My experience was the same as Cook's. My first time around in 2004-2005, I vaguely recall asking something similar because we were moving across the country and needed time to get us settled and find a new job. I was told I could take a semester off to give myself a break, but it would not redistribute my award package over the three remaining terms. Rather, I would just relinquish part of it by not taking courses the term I chose as a "break." (And if you do choose a term as a break, make sure to let Fin Aid know in advance.)

Hopefully something has changed. Good luck! TESC's Fin Aid department is the only one I had a customer service issue with, but...goodness, it was one issue after another because of their incompetence, both back in 2004-2005, and again in 2011. They are not known for their flexibility or helpfulness.

[ncpenn]

That kind of what i expected. We will see what they answer. However, I was reading that how the money is paid out is up to each school (e.g. it isn't a federal mandate to split it into 4 pieces). We'll see ...

[cookderosa]

That kind of what i expected. We will see what they answer. However, I was reading that how the money is paid out is up to each school (e.g. it isn't a federal mandate to split it into 4 pieces). We'll see ...

I ended up using all 4 sessions for classes, it worked out fine, but you'd have to calculate if it's more expensive to do so. I remember (it's been several years ago) that I was right on the line for breaking even. Meaning what it cost to attend and what they were giving me were just about even.

[ncpenn]

I ended up using all 4 sessions for classes, it worked out fine, but you'd have to calculate if it's more expensive to do so. I remember (it's been several years ago) that I was right on the line for breaking even. Meaning what it cost to attend and what they were giving me were just about even.

I've already compared costs. Even though it would be a little cheaper to lengthen out to 4 terms (around $500), I'm not sure if I want to sacrifice the speed factor. I like the idea of getting done quicker. I'm really hoping the FA dept surprises me by working with me on the re-dividing.