Grants - Late Start Courses and Disbursement

Late Start Courses and Pell Grants

Pell Grants are awarded in quarter increments—less than half time (1-5 credits), half time (6-8 credits), three quarter time (9-11 credits), and full time (12+ credits). That means that if you haven't started all your classes by the posted disbursement dates, a portion of your Pell Grant may be delayed. Typically, when you begin attending your late start course you will receive a disbursement 1 to 2 weeks from the course's start date. Receiving an additional disbursement is contingent upon your total number of credits increasing by a whole quarter increment.

Your Pell grant amount will be determined by the number of credits in which you are enrolled on the census date/the last day to receive 100% refund. (please see the academic calendar)

See examples below.  

Example A:

Lucy enrolls in a total of 12 credits. At the beginning of the semester, she attends 9 of her 12 credits. Later in the semester, she begins to attend her other 3 credit class. This moves her from three-quarter time to full time enrollment status. She receives her additional Pell disbursement 1 to 2 weeks after starting the course.

Example B:

Arnold enrolls in a total of 12 credits. At the beginning of the semester, he attends 9 of his 12 credits. A month into school, he starts a 1 credit P.E. course. He does not receive an additional disbursement because he is still at three-quarter time status with 10 active credits. Two months from the time school starts, Arnold begins attending his last 2 credits. He receives a disbursement 1 to 2 weeks after starting the course.