Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for college students in the United States. Unlike a loan, it doesn't have to be paid back. If you're an undergraduate from a low- or moderate-income household, it's almost always the first place to look for help paying for school.

How much you can get

The maximum Pell Grant for the 2025–26 award year is $7,395, and the maximum for 2026–27 is also $7,395 (subject to congressional appropriations). The minimum award is $740. The exact amount you receive depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), your school's cost of attendance, whether you're enrolled full- or part-time, and how many terms you attend in the year.

Some students qualify for additional Pell Grant funding during summer terms through Year-Round Pell, which can provide up to 150% of the scheduled annual award.

Who qualifies

To receive a Pell Grant, you generally need to:

• Be an undergraduate student who hasn't already earned a bachelor's or professional degree
• Demonstrate financial need based on your FAFSA
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in an eligible degree or certificate program at a participating school

You can receive Pell Grants for up to 12 semesters (or the equivalent — roughly six years of full-time enrollment). Starting with the 2026–27 award year, applicants whose SAI is equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant amount ($14,790 for 2026–27) are not eligible, with limited exceptions for dependents of certain deceased servicemembers and public safety officers.

How to apply

There's only one application, and it's free:

1. Fill out the FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — at studentaid.gov. You can submit a 2026–27 FAFSA starting in the fall before the academic year begins.
2. Get your aid offer. Your school's financial aid office uses your FAFSA results to determine your Pell Grant amount as part of your overall aid package.
3. Funds go directly to your school, applied to tuition and fees first. If money is left over, the school issues it to you for other education costs.

Anyone who asks you to pay a fee to apply for a Pell Grant is running a scam. FAFSA is always free, and no legitimate site will charge to submit it.

If Pell isn't enough, or you don't qualify

Pell often doesn't cover the full cost of college. Other federal aid you may qualify for through the same FAFSA:

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) — $100 to $4,000 per year, awarded first to Pell recipients with the greatest need. Funds are limited and awarded by your school on a first-come, first-served basis.
• TEACH Grant — up to $4,000 per year (currently reduced to $3,772 due to sequestration) for students who agree to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school for four years
• Federal Work-Study — part-time campus or community jobs
• Federal Direct Loans — subsidized and unsubsidized loans with lower interest rates than most private loans

State grants, institutional scholarships, and private scholarships are also worth pursuing.

Official sources

• StudentAid.gov — apply for FAFSA, manage federal aid, learn about all programs
• StudentAid.gov/help-center — official help and contact information
• 2026–27 Pell Grant Dear Colleague Letter (GEN-26-01) — official source for award amounts