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 2024-2025 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 as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, will receive the full amount. These students must be under 24 years old and at least part-time students at the time of the death.

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 about the Federal Pell Grant:

Internet:StudentAid.gov

Phone: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

TTY: 1-800-730-8913

Spanish speakers are available (se habla espanol).