Credible takeaways
- Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need can qualify for a Pell Grant.
- You must submit the FAFSA each year you want to receive financial aid.
- Your school determines your eligibility and award amount.
Pell Grants are a type of federal financial aid you don't have to repay. They're usually reserved for undergraduate students who can demonstrate significant financial need and who haven't yet earned any degree.
Students can apply for Pell Grants by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In October 2024, more than 650,000 individuals who submitted the FAFSA were eligible for a Pell Grant, according to Federal Student Aid's Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. However, not everyone who applies for the FAFSA will be eligible for a Pell Grant.
Here's what you need to know about Pell Grant eligibility, including the maximum award amount and when to apply.
Current private student loan rates
Pell Grant award amounts
Pell Grant award amounts can change from year to year. For the 2025-26 academic year (July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026), these are the minimum and maximum awards:
- Minimum award: $740
- Maximum award: $7,395
How your school calculates your Pell Grant
A number of factors go into deciding the award amount for Pell Grant recipients. These factors include:
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Cost of attendance for your school or program
- Enrollment status (part-time or full-time)
- Plans to attend classes for a full or partial academic year
Good to know:
Students attending school year-round — in fall, spring, and summer — can receive up to 150% of their scheduled award.
To estimate the amount that you could receive, use a Pell Grant calculator. The Federal Student Aid website’s Student Aid Estimator can help you understand how much Pell Grant you might qualify for.
Learn More: What Is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
Pell Grant eligibility
When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), your school will use the information you provide to determine if you're eligible for a Pell Grant and how much you qualify for.
The following factors determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant:
- Financial standing: Pell Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate a strong financial need. When you complete the FAFSA, your school reviews your overall income (which may include your parents') and assets.
- Enrollment: You must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled in an eligible program and school.
- No bachelor's degree: You must not already hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
- Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens will qualify for federal aid.
- Academic progress: You must retain specific academic standards to keep Pell Grant eligibility.
- No loan default: You must not be in default on a Title IV student loan or have to repay an overpayment on a Title IV grant or loan.
- Special circumstances: If you lost a parent in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, you may be eligible for a Pell Grant. Students with intellectual disabilities are also eligible for Pell Grants.
To be eligible for a Pell Grant, you must also meet the basic eligibility requirements or any federal aid.
“I recommend filling out the FAFSA each year even if you're unsure about your eligibility. You might qualify for more Pell Grant money than you expect, and skipping the application could mean missing out on other funding opportunities you may be eligible for. It's free, and there's no downside to applying.”
— Renee Fleck, Student Loans Editor, Credible
How to apply for a Pell Grant
In order to apply for a Pell Grant, you must complete and submit the FAFSA. After your form is processed, you'll receive a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary, which includes your Student Aid Index. Your school will use this information to determine your eligibility and award amount, in addition to other federal aid.
You must submit the FAFSA every year you're in school and continue to demonstrate financial need in order to receive a Pell Grant each year.
When to apply for a Pell Grant
Your deadline for applying for a Pell Grant is the same as the FAFSA deadline. Typically, that's June 30 for the following academic year. Here are recent and upcoming FAFSA deadlines:
Fill funding gaps with student loans
Pell Grants aren’t likely to cover all your tuition, let alone all your college-related costs.
As part of your financial aid package, your school may include federal student loans. After exhausting your options for scholarships and grants, you should turn to federal student loans first if you find you have to borrow. Federal student loans are generally easy to get, and most don’t require a credit check or cosigner. They also have flexible repayment plans and can give you access to student loan forgiveness.
After exhausting federal loan options, private student loans could be a good way to cover any leftover college costs.
How to retain your Pell Grant eligibility
To maintain your eligibility for Pell Grants and other federal aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA every year you’re in school. You’ll also need to:
- Continue to show financial need in the following school year.
- Maintain satisfactory academic standing according to your school.
- Maintain your citizenship status.
- Avoid arrests or any legal troubles.
- Stay in good standing on any federal loans you may have.
FAQ
What are the eligibility requirements for a Pell Grant?
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What’s the maximum Pell Grant award?
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Who determines how much of a Pell Grant I can receive?
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How do I receive my Pell Grant funds?
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