Pell Grant Stipulations

• The Pell Grant exists almost exclusively to fund undergraduate education. With few exceptions, the Department of Education awards Pell Grants to students working toward their first Bachelor's degree. The question of whether you can get a Pell Grant upon graduation in this context depends upon the school you graduate from. High school graduates can receive the Pell Grant for undergraduate education, though, in almost all instances those graduating from a college or university cannot receive the Pell Grant.
  
  

The Exception

• A sole exception applies to Pell Grant rules regarding undergraduate education. As per this exception, those enrolled in post-baccalaureate teacher certification or licensure programs can receive a Pell Grant. Only students attending programs conforming to Pell Grant guidelines prove eligible for grants. As per these guidelines, a program must meet teacher licensure requirements in its state, not award a graduate degree and be offered by a school without an undergraduate teaching program. Furthermore, students must enroll at least half time and be pursuing their first certificate or license in the state in question to qualify.
  
  

Participating Schools

• Though the federal government funds the Pell Grant program, participating schools and universities actually provide the awards. Once approved for a Pell Grant, the school a student attends disburses the award. As of 2011, 5,400 colleges and universities in the United States participate in the Pell Grant program. Students hoping to receive a Pell Grant for undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher program must attend a participating college or university in order to prove eligible for the award.
  
  

Getting a Pell Grant After Graduation

• Getting a Pell Grant upon graduation depends entirely upon circumstance. Graduating high school students may receive Pell Grants for any participating undergraduate program, while post-baccalaureate students must attend a teaching program that meets all Pell Grant guidelines. What's more, the Department of Education only awards Pell Grants to cover tuition expenses or mandatory course costs. You may only receive a Pell Grant to cover such costs -- the program does not simply award money for low-income students to spend willy-nilly.