Many American students use laptops.
Many schools allow students to use Pell Grant money to pay for laptops. The U.S. Department of Education requires all students to sign an affidavit vowing to use Pell Grant money for educational expenses. Individual schools decide what falls into the category. Always check with your financial aid office before making a purchase and keep thorough financial records. Never throw away receipts.
Pell Grant Purpose
Pell Grants help low-income students cover the cost of going to college -- and going to college involves many expenses in addition to tuition. Pell Grants go to students with demonstrated financial need who are working toward their first bachelor, associate or professional degree.
Educational Costs
The U.S. Department of Education's affidavit, which is part of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA, avoids defining "educational costs." According to the website Pell Grant Eligibility, virtually all schools agree that tuition, other school fees, supplies and books are educational costs. Most schools agree that child care, gas and rent count but plenty of debate exists over other items.
Laptops
Laptops occupy a gray area of the educational costs category. Many schools consider laptops and other computers an essential school supply and therefore valid. However, most students use their laptops for non-school activities and most students have access to a campus computer lab, which could potentially cause laptops to fail Pell Grant Eligibility's "Do I need this for school?" test.
Fraud
Pell Grant Eligibility strongly recommends talking to your school about their policy on Pell Grant use before purchasing a laptop because misuse constitutes fraud. If your school finds you guilty of Pell Grant fraud, you will most likely lose your financial aid and may have to pay back past awards.
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