Federal Pell Grant
This award is a need based grant and is calculated by using the student/parents EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and enrollment status. The EFC is determined using a federal methodology formula developed by Congress from the information provided on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Once the Student Aid Report is finalized from verification (if selected) then the Pell grant will be added to the students Award Letter.
The Pell grant is awarded and disbursed on the most recent, accurate SAR (Student Aid Report) as determined by the Department of Education or SMWC. The amount awarded and disbursed to a student will be adjusted throughout the period of enrollment due to changes in enrollment (adds/drops) or subsequent ISIRS/SARS.
Effective July 1, 2012 according to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74) students will now be limited to 12 semesters (or its equivalent) up to 600% of lifetime eligibility. The Department of Education will calculate the percentage of Pell each student has received and will determine their remaining eligibility. Once the student reaches their 600% then he/she is no longer eligible to participate in the Pell grant program.
Pell recipients will be given a book voucher to purchase books at the SMWC bookstore by the seventh day of the payment period if the student has a credit balance. Books are not required to be purchased at the SMWC bookstore by Pell recipients. Recipients can use other sources for purchasing books, but will need to make arrangements to use other forms of payment for the purchase.