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.
Maximum 2025–26 award: $7,395/year. Award amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Awarded primarily to students from families earning below ~$60,000/year. Students can receive Pell Grant funding for up to 12 semesters (6 years).
→ Completing the FAFSA as early as possible is the key to accessing Pell Grants.
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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.