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.
Related terms
- FAFSA
The form students must complete each year to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study, and many institutional scholarships.
- Federal Work-Study
A federally funded program providing part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while enrolled.
- Parent PLUS Loan
A federal Direct PLUS Loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for college costs not covered by other financial aid.
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Frequently asked questions about Pell Grant
What is a Pell Grant?+
A Pell Grant is money from the government that helps students pay for college. You don't have to pay it back. It's for students who need money for school and haven't earned a four-year degree yet.
Who can get a Pell Grant?+
Pell Grants are for students who show a financial need. This means your family's income and other information are used to decide if you qualify. You must also be going to college or a trade school as an undergraduate student.
How do I apply for a Pell Grant?+
To apply for a Pell Grant, you need to fill out a form called the FAFSA. This stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You can do this online, and it helps the government know if you need money for school.
How much money can I get from a Pell Grant?+
The amount of money you can get from a Pell Grant changes each year. It depends on several things, like your family's financial situation, the cost of the school you want to attend, and if you go to school full-time or part-time.