<ol>
<li><p>What is the difference between FAFSA, Pell, TAP?</p></li>
<li><p>Does FAFSA pay for classes outside of your major and not needed as an elective? Say I want to take classes just for fun/interest/boost GPA, will I have to pay out of pocket for that? </p></li>
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<p>1) FAFSA is simply the application you fill out to determine what TYPE of aid you are eligible for: including federal grants and loans. The Pell Grant is a grant issued by the federal government, and the TAP is New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program</p>
<p>2) This depends on a variety of factors. Typically schools let you take around 12-18 (sometimes less) units at one set price. If you can include those courses in that unit count - your aid can go towards those classes. </p>
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<li><p>Pell is a grant from Federal government and you file FAFSA for Federal Financial Aid. TAP is a grant from New York State. </p></li>
<li><p>See <a href=“https://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa”>https://studentaid.ed.gov/fafsa</a> on how your enrollment status (full-time, half-time, or part-time) determine your aid. </p></li>
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<p>
Yes, I think so. See <a href=“https://financialaid.okstate.edu/special-programs/non-degree-seeking-osu-students-enrolled-in-prerequisite-coursework.[quote]Non-degree”>https://financialaid.okstate.edu/special-programs/non-degree-seeking-osu-students-enrolled-in-prerequisite-coursework.
Many schools have similar policy as OSU.</p>
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<p>As noted above, the FAFSA is a financial aid application form. </p>
<p>Pell is a federally funded need based grant given to low income students</p>
<p>TAP is a NY state funded grant for lower income students.</p>
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<p>First of all…FAFSA does not pay for anything. It is a form that is used to determine your eligibility for federally funded need based aid. Some schools also use the FAFSA information to formulate their own institutional need based aid. </p>
<p>The awards given based on the FAFSA are based on your being a full time student. If you are less than full time, things like the Pell, Direct Loans, TAP are prorated based on your actual enrollment.</p>
<p>In addition, there is a 12 semester limit on the Pell Grant…meaning you can’t collect it for more than six years of study…so if your “fun courses” will prevent you from actually completing your major course of study in six years…you would need to consider that. Having said that…in most majors there is some elective coursework you will be able to take.</p>
<p>All your replies just about answers my question. Thanks a lot !</p>