Pell Grant Eligibility
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students attempting their 1st bachelor's degree who demonstrate "financial need" by meeting several criteria. Financial need, and Pell Grant availability, is determined by the Federal Government when you complete your FAFSA.
The amount of Pell Grant you can receive is determined by:
1. Financial need, which is defined as, "the difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a school and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). While COA varies from school to school, your EFC does not change based on the school you attend."
3. Your status as a full time or part time student
4. If you plan on attending school for the full academic year or less
The maximum eligibility for the Pell Grant can change yearly. Currently, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,495 for the 2021-2022 FAFSA year (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022). The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,895 for the 2022-2023 FAFSA year (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023).
If you continue to be eligible for the Pell Grant then you can receive the award for no more than 6 years, assuming you use 100% of the Pell grant each year. Click here for more details about lifetime Pell grant eligibility usage.
The most up to date Pell Grant information can always be found on the Department of Education website-https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell.