Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students on
the basis of financial need and do not have to be repaid. These
grants are considered the foundation of federal financial aid, to
which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be
added.
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.
Generally, Pell Grants are only awarded to undergraduate students
who have not yet earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. (In some
cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher
certification program might receive a Pell Grant.)
How do I qualify?
The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to
evaluate the financial information you provide when you apply. You
apply with the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The formula
produces a Student Aid Index (SAI). This number is used by
financial aid professionals when creating an aid offer. Your FAFSA
Submission Summary contains your SAI. Your SAI will determine if
you're eligible for a Pell Grant and how much you can receive.
How much money can I get?
Pell Grant amounts depend on program funding and can change
every year. The amount of other student aid you might qualify for
does not affect your Pell Grant amount. You may not receive Pell
Grant funds from more than one college at a time. The maximum Pell
Grant for the 2025-2026 award year is $7,395. The amount of your
Pell Grant award will depend on the following:
- your SAI
- your cost of attending school
- your student status (full-time or part-time)
- your program's length of study (a full academic year or
less)
The amount of any other student aid you might qualify for does
not affect your Pell Grant amount.
Students with a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty
while serving on active duty after September 11, 2001, will receive
the full amount. These students must be under 33 years old. To
learn more, see Pell Grant Eligibility for Dependents of Deceased
Service Members and Safety Officers on StudentAid.gov.
You may receive a Pell Grant if you are enrolled for less than
half time if you are otherwise eligible. Your school will disburse
a Pell Grant amount in accordance with your enrollment status. You
must be enrolled in a program that leads to an associate or
bachelor's degree or certificate.
If I am eligible, how will I get the Pell Grant money?
Your school may credit the Pell Grant funds to your school
account, pay you directly or combine these methods. The school must
tell you in writing how and when you'll be paid, and how much your
award will be. Schools must pay you at least once per term
(semester, trimester or quarter).
Schools that do not use formally defined, traditional academic
terms must pay you at least twice per academic year.
Can I receive a Federal Pell Grant if I am enrolled less than
half time?
Yes, if you are otherwise eligible. You won't receive as much as
if you were enrolled full time, but your school must disburse your
Pell Grant funds in accordance with your enrollment status.
How can I get more information?
For more information on student financial assistance programs,
contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center:
Link: StudentAid.gov
Phone: 1-800-4-FED-AID
(1-800-433-3243)
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
Spanish speakers are available (se habla espanol)