5.3 million: U.S. college students who receive federal Pell Grants

$4,310: Maximum Pell Grant award this year

$4,800: Maximum amount next year

$5,400: Maximum amount by 2012

Source: U.S. Department of Education, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Previously, a clause in federal law denied them the maximum because California community colleges have the lowest tuition fees in the nation. The “tuition sensitivity clause” had capped this year’s maximum for those students at $4,176 instead of $4,310.

The new legislation has eliminated the 15-year-old clause.

“It was certainly an issue of equity,” said Tim Bonnel, coordinator of financial aid programs for California community colleges.

Bonnel said community college students spend about the same on books and supplies as students who attend four-year universities – as much as $1,400 a year, up from about $1,200 four years ago.

Pell Grants, which do not have to be repaid, are given to low-income undergraduate students. Grant amounts are based largely on a family’s financial situation, college attendance costs and whether the student is attending school full time or part time. The maximum is given to students whose families’ income and assets are so low that they cannot be expected to contribute to their education.

Because the law is retroactive to July, California community college students who qualify for the maximum will receive an additional $134.

“We do anticipate sending out adjustment checks,” Bonnel said.

Rigby, who plans to transfer to San Diego State University next year and major in history, said the extra money “is going to be really helpful.”

About 270,000 community college students in the state will receive Pell Grants this year, officials said. About half will get the maximum.

In San Diego County, nearly half of 15,000 community college students receiving the grants this year will get the maximum, financial aid directors said.

The legislation also halved the interest rates on federal student loans and made other changes to financial aid.

By Leonel Sanchez From: http://www.signonsandiego.com