Can You Get a Pell Grant for a Certification?

Pell Grants are among the several types of grants the federal government offers to college students. They are some of the most common grants issued, and they are typically given to students who have not yet earned a bachelors or professional degree. They provide access to higher education for many students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college, and students who want to seek a certification instead of a bachelors degree and use a Pell Grant to pay for tuition may often do so.

Amounts

The amount of a Pell Grant students are eligible to receive varies from year to year, and is based on a number of factors. A students household income, cost of attendance and whether he attends school part- or full-time are some of the considerations that impact the amount of a Pell Grant a student can receive. For the 2011 to 2012 award year, the maximum amount of a Pell Grant was $5,550.

Eligible Programs

If you want to pursue a bachelors degree and you meet other eligibility requirements, you can pay for your education in part with Pell Grants. Certification programs are also eligible for Pell Grants. You may also pay for some distance education courses leading to a bachelors degree or certification program in some cases.

Teacher Education

If you are pursuing a post-bachelors teaching program that leads to licensure or certification, you may also be eligible to use Pell Grants to pay for your tuition. Eligible post-baccalaureate programs offer courses your state requires to earn a licensing or certification credential as a teacher. They must also be offered by an accredited school or vocational education institution. Programs cant lead to a graduate degree, and the schools offering them must not offer a bachelors program in education. Students must also be enrolled at least half-time to receive a Pell Grant for a post-bachelors teacher certification program.

Eligible Institutions

Your certification program must be offered by an accredited institution of higher learning. The U.S. Department of Education does not accredit institutions, but it does offer a database of schools eligible to receive federal financial aid on its website. You can also contact your chosen school to see if it is eligible to receive Pell Grant funds.