Obtaining a college degree is critical to success in life & finding a higher paying job in America. While a college degree gives you a competitive edge over other people applying for the same job, the cost of university or college has gone through the roof. In order to make schooling more affordable, the US federal government has put forth the Federal Pell Grant & other scholarships/grants to help college students pay for their fees. Because Pell grants are not to be repaid, there are strict criteria on who qualifies for Pell grants so that only need-based college students have access to it. Below are some criteria that are used to determine eligibility & requirements for obtaining a Pell Grant.

i) Financial Need

This is the most important criteria, you must demonstrate financial need. The grant is specifically catered for those low-income & needy undergraduate students who would otherwise not be able to afford college education without government help. The level of need will be determined by the student's college expenses minus expected family contributions. In general, grants are awarded to students whose family incomes are less than $20,000 a year which is at or below the poverty line. We have seen other students with family incomes of less than $35,000 also awarded, Your level of financial need is reduced if you win scholarships from other organizations & sources.

ii) Dependency Status

A student's dependent status also affects his level of financial need. As an example, a student who has applied as independent will be considered differently than one who is dependent upon his parents. Since independent students do not rely on anyone but themselves for financial support, they would have to show proof of their assets/net income & debts. If a student is independent, then his assets & income is factored. However is a student is dependent on parents, then the income/assets of his parents are also factored.

iii) High School Education

Candidates applying for Grant must have a high school diploma or show that they will significantly benefit from the training course at university. This is done when first year students who are fresh from high school apply for college & are set to attend their first year in college.

iv) Academic Performance

The student must have & maintain a good academic record to be eligible to receive a grant. The student must have at least a C (or 2.0) grade point average by the end of the second year if the degree is longer than two years, or prove the equivalent for shorter courses.

v) Citizenship

Recipients must be citizens of the United States, permanent residents or legally allowed to attend school in America. Citizenship is normally proven by providing one of the two documents below;

* US Permanent Citizen (Alien Registration Card or I-551)
* Conditional Permanent Citizen (I-551C)

Learn to get free Pell grants from the US Department of Education including Pell grant application & eligibility criteria. The maximum limit for 2011 school year is $5,500 and applications are free.