What is a Pell Grant - Universities of the world UNITE!

The Pell Grant is a federal grant provided by the government through the U.S. Department of Education to help eligible students pay for college. Encyclopedia Britannica+1
Importantly: unlike a loan — you generally do not have to pay it back as long as you meet the requirements (stay enrolled, make satisfactory progress, etc.). Bankrate+2ACT+2
It’s meant to help students with financial need, making college more accessible for low- and moderate-income individuals. U.S. Department of Education+2Senate Republican Conference+2

Who is eligible

To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must:

Be enrolled (or accepted) in an eligible undergraduate program at a participating school. You must be pursuing your first bachelor’s degree (or certain eligible post-baccalaureate programs). FSA Partner Connect+2ACT+2
Demonstrate “exceptional financial need” (as determined by your application) — meaning lower expected family contribution (EFC) or need per the application process. Encyclopedia Britannica+2NerdWallet+2
Be a U.S. citizen, national, or eligible noncitizen (in many cases) — or meet other eligibility criteria if applicable. ACT+1
Maintain satisfactory academic progress, and stay enrolled (full-time or part-time depending on school/program). ACT+1
What it can pay for / how much you get

Pell Grant funds can be used for many of the typical costs of college, including:

Tuition and fees Encyclopedia Britannica+1
Room and board (housing and food) if enrolled at a college where that’s part of the plan Encyclopedia Britannica+2CLASP+2
Books, supplies, and sometimes other costs like transportation or child care — depending on program and school expenses. CLASP+2Encyclopedia Britannica+2

The exact amount you receive depends on multiple factors, including your financial need, the cost of your school’s attendance, and whether you’re attending full- or part-time. BigFuture+2ACT+2

For the 2024–2025 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. BigFuture+1

How to get it

You apply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which collects information about your (and if applicable your family’s) income, assets, household size, etc. Encyclopedia Britannica+2Bankrate+2
The Department of Education calculates your eligibility, based on financial need (previously “Expected Family Contribution”, now often called “Student Aid Index”), cost of attendance at your school, and enrollment status. NerdWallet+2Congress.gov+2
If eligible, funds are disbursed to your college, which can apply them to your tuition & fees, or — if there’s leftover — pay you directly. BigFuture+2PNC Bank+2