Lionel University Blog

Federal Student Aid 101: The Difference Between Pell Grants & Financial Aid

Written by Lionel Staff | Feb 3, 2023 4:29:57 PM

If you’re a student trying to pay for college, you may have heard of Pell Grants and financial aid. But what exactly do these terms mean? Are they the same thing? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key differences between Pell Grants and Financial Aid so that you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

A Pell Grant is a type of federal financial aid awarded to students based on their financial needs. The amount of money awarded depends on the cost of attending your school, how many credits you are enrolled in per quarter, and other factors that determine your eligibility. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants are not required to be paid back; they are considered “free money,” and can be used to cover your educational expenses. 

Financial aid is a broad term for any form of funding used to help pay for college expenses. At Lionel University, this could include grants and/or student loans; it does not have to be limited to just one source. Federal grants tend to focus more on financial needs determined by your FAFSA application. Federal student loans must be repaid. There are two types of Federal student loans, Subsidized and Unsubsidized. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are in school at least half-time or during deferment periods. With unsubsidized loans, interest is accruing while a student is enrolled in school, deferment, and grace periods.

Conclusion 
Pell Grants and Financial Aid are two different types of funding sources available for students who are trying to finance their higher education. While both options can help you pay for college expenses like tuition fees and living costs, there are important differences between them, such as eligibility requirements and repayment terms, that should be taken into consideration when making a decision about which option is best for your needs. Be sure to do your research before applying for any type of assistance!

And, with the help of financial aid, earning your exercise science degree is even more of a possibility. All of this means you can be learning from the best right away. And, in as little as six months, you can be a top personal trainer with the information you learn. It’s the best way to kick-start your dream personal training career.

There are so many fitness job opportunities that you’ll be able to explore once you have a degree in exercise science. This is the case for all degree programs. In fact, earning an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree, will all put you in demand for jobs. Regardless of which degree you are pursuing, at Lionel, you earn multiple certifications and specializations along the way. This means you can start working as a fitness and nutrition professional even before graduation day! And, with the help of financial aid, earning your exercise science degree is even more of a possibility. 

Check out our programs and contact Lionel today!