Federal Pell Grant

What is the Federal Pell Grant?

The Federal Pell Grant is money from the U.S. Department of Education to help you pay for college or career training. Unlike loans, you do not have to pay back a Pell Grant.

Pell Grants go to undergraduate students who have financial need. The amount you can get depends on your family's income and assets, the cost of your school, and whether you go full-time or part-time.

Who qualifies

You may qualify for a Pell Grant if you:

• Are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Have a Social Security number
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or other approved credential (or meet other requirements)
• Are enrolled or accepted as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
• Show financial need based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• Are not in default on a federal student loan
• Have not already earned a bachelor's or higher degree
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress at your school

Financial need means the cost of attending your school minus what your family is expected to contribute.

How much you can get

The maximum Pell Grant amount changes each year. The exact amount depends on:

• Your Expected Family Contribution
• The cost of attending your school
• Whether you attend full-time or part-time
• How long you are enrolled for the school year

You can receive a Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent, usually about six years.

How to apply

You apply for a Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here's what to do:

Step 1: Get ready

Gather these documents:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver's license or state ID (if you have one)
• Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID (create one at the official FAFSA website if you don't have one)
• Your tax information from the IRS (or your parents' information if they claim you as a dependent)
• Records of untaxed income, such as child support or veteran's benefits
• Information about your assets and savings

If you are dependent on your parents, you will need their information too.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

Fill out the FAFSA online at the official FAFSA website. The form asks about your income, assets, family size, and other details about your household.

The FAFSA is always free to complete. Do not pay anyone to help you fill it out.

Step 3: Submit and confirm

Submit your FAFSA electronically. You will get a confirmation that your application was received. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Step 4: Review your Student Aid Report

Within a few weeks, you will get a Student Aid Report (SAR) by email or mail. This shows the information from your FAFSA and your Expected Family Contribution. Review it carefully for mistakes.

If something is wrong, make corrections and resubmit. Your school will use the information from your SAR to calculate your aid.

What to bring or prepare

You do not need to bring documents to apply for the FAFSA online. However, you should have them available to answer questions accurately:

• Your most recent tax return (yours and your parents', if dependent)
• W-2 forms or other records of income
• Bank statements or records of savings
• Information about student loans or other aid

Keep copies of your FAFSA confirmation and your Student Aid Report for your records.

What happens after you apply

After you submit your FAFSA:

1. 1
   Step 1: The Department of Education processes your application and calculates your Expected Family Contribution.
2. 2
   Step 2: Your school receives your financial aid information and uses it to put together a financial aid package.
3. 3
   Step 3: Your school sends you an aid package letter explaining how much Pell Grant money you can get and what other aid you may qualify for.
4. 4
   Step 4: You accept the Pell Grant through your school's financial aid office.
5. 5
   Step 5: Your school applies the grant to your tuition and fees. If money is left over, you may get a refund.

The Department of Education only decides if you qualify for a Pell Grant. Your school decides how to distribute the money to you.

Renewing your Pell Grant

If you received a Pell Grant this year and want to get one next year, you must:

• Submit a new FAFSA each year
• Continue to meet all eligibility requirements
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress at your school
• Not have already received a Pell Grant for more than 12 semesters or the equivalent

Submit your FAFSA as early as possible each year. Processing times vary, but it's best to apply before your school's deadline.

Related programs and help

You may also qualify for other types of aid to help pay for school:

• Federal Student Loansmoney you borrow and must repay with interest
• Federal Work-Studypart-time work at your school to help pay for education expenses
• Other federal grantsbased on your major, service commitment, or other factors
• State grantssome states offer additional grant money to students who live or study there
• Scholarshipsmoney from schools, organizations, or private donors that you do not repay

Your school's financial aid office can tell you about all the aid you may qualify for. They can also help if you have questions about your Pell Grant.

For more information about federal student aid, visit the official website or contact your school's financial aid office.

Common questions

Is applying for a Pell Grant really free?

Yes. The FAFSA is always free. Do not pay anyone or use a service that charges a fee to help you apply.

What if my family's income is too high?

There is no strict income limit for a Pell Grant. What matters is your Expected Family Contribution based on your income, assets, family size, and other factors. Even families with higher incomes may qualify if their costs are high.

Can I use a Pell Grant for any school?

Only if the school is eligible to participate in the federal student aid program. Most accredited colleges and universities participate, but some do not. Ask your school if they are eligible.

What if I don't finish school?

You may have to return some of the money. Contact your school's financial aid office to understand your responsibilities.

What if my situation changes during the school year?

Tell your school's financial aid office right away. Changes in income, family size, or other circumstances may affect your aid.

For more help, visit our glossary to learn more terms related to student aid, or contact the Help Center.