Rebuilding your life after a criminal conviction can be challenging, but pursuing a college education can be a powerful step forward. Fortunately, there are various financial aid options available to help individuals with previous criminal convictions fund their education.
One such option is the Pell Grant, a federal subsidy designed to assist students in need. In 2020/2021, more than 6.1 million students have received Pell Grants.
In this article, we will explore the eligibility requirements, application process, and other financial aid opportunities for felons seeking educational funding.
What is a Pell Grant?
A Pell Grant is a federal student aid program that provides financial assistance to individuals pursuing higher education. Unlike loans or starting a business from funding, Pell grants for felons applications are non-repayable, making them an attractive option for those seeking to fund their college education.
However, it’s important to note that these grants are primarily awarded to students with significant financial need who have not yet obtained a bachelor’s, professional, or graduate degree. The Department of Education gave out about $25.4 billion in Pell Grants to 6.1 million students in the 2021-2022 school year. In 2020-2021, 97% of Pell Grant recipients came from families earning less than $70,000 a year.
Pell Grant Eligibility
To qualify for a Pell grants for convicted felons must meet specific eligibility criteria designed to ensure fair distribution of federal aid. That means someone working as a real estate agent or a CDL trucker can still send their kids to college. Let’s take a closer look at the requirements and considerations for felons:
- Financial Standing – Felons interested in Pell Grants must demonstrate exceptional financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including accurate information about their conviction and financial situation.
- Academic Progress – Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is crucial for Pell grants for ex felons. This includes meeting the GPA requirements established by the educational institution they are attending.
- Legal Status – Pell Grant eligibility for felons depends on their legal status. While certain felony convictions related to sexual offenses or drugs may limit eligibility, other offenses generally do not disqualify individuals from applying for federal student aid.
- Citizenship – Pell Grants are available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-residents pursuing higher education within the United States.
- School’s Participation – It’s important to ensure that the educational institution felons plan to attend participates in the Pell Grant program. Not all schools are eligible to distribute Pell Grants, so verifying the school’s participation is crucial.
- Special Circumstances – Federal Pell grant for felons with special circumstances may be eligible for additional financial aid. For instance, if a parent died while serving in the U.S. military in Afghanistan or Iraq after 9/11, or if an individual has an intellectual disability, they may qualify for additional grants – much better solution than a temp job for felons.
Can You Go to College with a Felony Conviction?
Having a felony conviction does not automatically prevent you from pursuing higher education. Each college or university makes its own admissions decisions, and while a criminal history may lower your chances of acceptance at more competitive schools, there are still opportunities available.
Starting at a community college with a strong acceptance rate and then transferring to a university after building a solid academic record is a viable path for many individuals with felony convictions. There are more than 1,167 community colleges in the U.S., so you should be able to find one that works for you.
What Kind of Financial Aid is Available to Felons?
In addition to Pell Grants, felons have access to various financial aid options to support their college education:
- Pell Grants for Felons: Pell Grants are accessible to felons who meet the eligibility requirements. The Second Chance Pell experiment provides grants for felons who are still in prison, while most formerly incarcerated individuals can apply for traditional Pell Grants through FAFSA.
- Scholarships for Felons: Scholarships are another valuable source of funding for felons seeking educational opportunities. Many scholarship programs do not exclude felons, so researching and exploring scholarship options for which felons qualify is important.
- Student Loans for Felons: Felons are generally eligible for federal student loans once they are released from prison, with the exception of certain offenses such as involuntary civil commitment or sexual offenses. Private student loans also have fewer restrictions based on criminal history, focusing more on income, employment, and credit score.
- Federal Work-Study for Felons: The Federal Work-Study Program offers felons an opportunity to work part-time on campus as part of their financial aid package, allowing them to earn money while pursuing their education.
How Do You Get Pell Grants for Felons?
Obtaining Pell Grants for felons involves following these steps:
- Be Enrolled in a Baccalaureate Program at a Non-Foreign Institute: To be eligible for Pell Grants, you must be enrolled in an eligible program at a non-foreign educational institution.
- Complete the FAFSA: Felons should complete the FAFSA application every academic year, providing accurate information about their conviction and financial situation. This application helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress: To retain eligibility for Pell Grants, felons must maintain satisfactory academic progress by meeting the GPA requirements established by their educational institution.
- How do I know if I received a Pell Grant: You will receive a letter from the student finances board of your institution. This will include a FAFSA Pell Grant informational section so you know if you are getting that as part of your package.
Private Loans vs. Federal Loans
While felons may have limited options when it comes to financial aid, federal loans, and private loans are available choices. Federal loans are generally more accessible for felons, while private loans focus on factors such as consistent income, employment history, and credit score. Having a co-signer with good credit can improve the chances of securing a private loan.
Conclusion
Education can be a transformative tool for individuals with previous criminal convictions, opening doors to new opportunities and a brighter future. Pell Grants, along with other financial aid options, provide felons with the means to pursue their educational goals.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, applying for Pell Grants, and exploring other funding sources, felons can take a significant step towards rebuilding their lives through education.
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
FAQs
Can felons receive money from FAFSA?
Yes, felons are generally eligible to receive financial aid through FAFSA, including Pell Grants and other federal student aid. Accurately reporting their conviction and financial information is crucial when completing the FAFSA application. You can still work from home as a felon while on financial aid.
What disqualifies you from receiving financial aid?
Certain felony convictions related to sexual offenses or involuntary civil commitments may impact eligibility for financial aid. Other felony convictions generally do not disqualify individuals from applying for federal student aid.
Can felons receive Pell Grants?
Yes, felons can receive Pell Grants if they meet the eligibility requirements. The Second Chance Pell experiment provides grants for felons still in prison, while most formerly incarcerated individuals can apply for traditional Pell Grants through FAFSA.
Can felons get student loan forgiveness?
Yes, felons can be eligible for student loan forgiveness programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Requirements for loan forgiveness include working full-time for a government or non-profit organization, making 120 loan payments, having direct federal loans, and using an income-driven repayment plan.
Does FAFSA do a background check?
FAFSA does not conduct background checks as part of the application process. However, felons must truthfully answer questions about their criminal history on the FAFSA form.
Are Pell grants tax-free?
Pell Grants are generally tax-free if used for qualified educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, and required books and supplies. However, using grant funds for non-qualified expenses may have tax implications. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.
Do you have to pay back Pell grants?
One of the significant advantages of Pell Grants is that they are considered gift aid, meaning they do not have to be repaid under normal circumstances. Unlike loans, Pell Grants provide felons with financial support that does not create a burden of debt upon completion of their education. This makes Pell Grants a highly desirable form of assistance for those with previous criminal convictions.
Remember, each financial aid journey is unique, and it’s important to consult with the financial aid office at your chosen educational institution to understand the specific requirements and opportunities available to you as a felon seeking educational funding. By taking advantage of available resources and opportunities, you can unlock the doors to a brighter future through education.
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
