Pell Grant — school money help
A federal need-based educational grant available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
Official source: studentaid.gov
The Pell Grant is money given by the government to help students pay for college. You don't have to pay this money back! It's mainly for students who truly need financial help, usually from families earning less than about $60,000 per year. To get it, you must be working towards your first bachelor's degree. The most you can get for the 2025–26 school year is $7,395, but how much you receive depends on your family's income, how much your school costs, and if you're a full-time or part-time student. You can get Pell Grant funding for up to 12 semesters, which is about six years. A crucial tip: filling out the FAFSA form as soon as it opens is very important, because funds can run out.
In real life
- A student from a low-income family can get a Pell Grant to help pay for college classes.
- Someone who wants to go back to school for a new career might get a Pell Grant to help with tuition.
- A person attending community college for an associate's degree could use a Pell Grant to cover education costs.
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Frequently asked questions about Pell Grant
What is Pell Grant?+
A federal need-based educational grant available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, providing funds that do not need to be repaid.
Who qualifies for Pell Grant?+
Award amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.
How do I apply for Pell Grant?+
BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener can point you to the right application path.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see what programs you may qualify for. The Find Benefits tool tool also lets you browse programs by state.
Source: studentaid.gov