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Pell Grant: Everything You Need to Know
By
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.
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Cait Williams is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cait recently graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism and Strategic Communications. During her time at OU, was active in the outdoor recreation community.
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Annie has spent the past 18+ years educating students about college admissions opportunities and coaching them through building a financial aid package. She has worked in college access and college admissions for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, Middle Tennessee State University, and Austin Peay State University.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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As you look into funding options for college, you’ll notice one of the most ubiquitous sources of student aid to be the Pell Grant. But what is the Pell Grant, and how can it help you? In this guide, we’ll go over who offers the funds, who can receive it, and what it can be used for. We’ll also go over how much you can earn and a whole lot more. Let’s get into it!
Also see: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool
At a glance
The Pell Grant is a form of federal need-based aid awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. Students can use these funds towards educational expenses such as tuition, room and board, fees, textbooks, and more. Since it is a grant rather than a loan, students will not have to repay any of the funds from a Pell Grant.
How much is the Pell Grant worth?
The U.S. Department of Education uses the information on your FAFSA to determine your Pell Grant eligibility. Students can be eligible for anywhere between $740 and $7,395 as of the 2024-2025 school year. So, assuming this amount remained constant, and you qualified for the maximum amount every year, it could be worth up to $29,580 over the course of a four-year education.
Please be aware that the maximum Pell Grant award could change depending on Congress. We do our best to update financial aid information in a timely manner. Please check directly with the Federal Student Aid website for the most recent update.
Am I eligible for the Pell Grant?
The Pell Grant is open to students who are:
- Eligible for federal financial aid
- Enrolled in undergraduate programs in the U.S.
- Must be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen
The U.S. Department of Education uses the information on your FAFSA to determine your eligibility. Due to new changes to the FAFSA, calculations for Pell Grant awards have changed.
Instead of using your family’s income, expenses, and available assets (formerly known as the “Expected Family Contribution”), they will now use family size and household income and how those relate to the federal poverty line. For the 2024/2025 year and beyond, the Student Aid Index (SAI) will take the place of the EFC. With these changes, the Department of Education hopes to increase access to the Pell Grant so that more students can receive funding to complete their education. The best way to find out your Pell Grant eligibility is to fill out the FAFSA today and see where you stand.
Eligibility may fluctuate by year
Remember – the Pell Grant does not renew automatically. You’ll have to fill out the FAFSA every year in order to receive it. If your family’s financial situation changes in your following years of college, your eligibility may change as well.
As a result, you shouldn’t count on your first year grant to be equal to the next three years. Make sure that you plan accordingly in order to cultivate a secure financial situation.
Cait Williams | Scholarships360 Writer, Ohio University
Notes from a Pell Grant recipient
How to apply for the Pell Grant
Applying for the Pell Grant is surprisingly convenient; you won’t have to fill out any additional applications as you are automatically considered upon completing the FAFSA. So, in order to apply and receive an almost-instant decision regarding your eligibility, all you have to do is fill out the FAFSA!
Even if you are not approaching your first year of college, you can fill out the FAFSA just to get an idea of whether you will be eligible. It is entirely free and the data you receive will be a good predictor of your future results.
Related: Do you have to pay back money from the FAFSA?
How is the Pell Grant distributed?
Typically, the federal government will distribute your Pell Grant directly to the college you are studying at. The funds will show up on your statement as a credit and no further action is required. It’s convenient and typically pretty seamless. If you find that the credit on your statement does not match up with your results from the FAFSA, make sure to contact your financial aid office immediately.
Related: How do I get my Pell Grant refund?
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions about Pell Grants
Is there a lifetime limit for Pell Grant funds?
Can I use the Pell Grant for coding bootcamps?
Can I use the Pell Grant for certificate programs?
What is the minimum GPA for a Pell Grant?
Do I have to reapply for the Pell Grant?
Can I receive a Pell Grant if I go to school out-of-state?
Can I use a Pell Grant to fund my semester abroad?
Does the Pell Grant count as taxable income?
