Who is eligible for Financial Aid (i.e., Pell Grants). That is, what are the most important factors other than income? How important are dependents? Are women more likely to receive aid than their male counterparts?
TIA.
A man sits at a desk.
He has a stamp reading “No”
No stamp reads “Yes”
Assuming you’re a full-time student, all Federal aid is determined by your FAFSA form. You fill it out, giving all your financial information and nothing else. There is a formula that determines how much aid a family in your financial position is supposed to be able to afford. This number is sent to the college, which puts together a package of aid based on need, including grants from both the college and the government and student loans. The college also has the option to give their own grants and other no-aid-based scholarships as they see fit (e.g., for those in an honors program, for athletes).
If you’re planning on attending this fall, you should start on the form ASAP. IIRC, the deadline is February 1.
Correction: replace “no-aid-based” above with “Non-need-based.”