Huh? Pell grants are specifically aimed at lower-income students. For example (guidetocareereducation.com/financial-aid/career-education-through-grants):
During the 2005-2006 year, 57% of Pell grant recipients had family incomes of less than $20,000.
And the large increases in Pell Grants are coming because the health care reconciliation bill ends FFELP, saving billions.
I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that most applicants in that category though are emancipated students with part time jobs or otherwise low income. I know my two kids both asked to be emancipated after Age 18 because they could qualify for so much more in student aid that way. As head of household, they become a family of one.
Other than financial and some other considerations, those eligible for Pell grants include:
3) The student must also be a United States Citizen, permanent resident or other eligible classification of non-citizen. To qualify as an eligible non-citizen, a student must be able to live and attend school legally. They must also be one of the follow.
· U.S. Permanent Citizen (has Alien Registration Card or I-551)
· Conditional Permanent Citizen (has I-551C Card);
· Refugee
· Asylum grantee
· Parolee
· Cuban-Haitian entrant with an Arrival Departure Record (I-94) from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
Pell Grant Requirements