How to Qualify for a Pell Grant

How to Qualify for a Pell Grant
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko
Published:

Key Takeaways

  • A Pell Grant is a form of federal financial aid awarded to undergraduate students based on financial need.
  • Students are required to fill out the FAFSA in order for colleges and universities to determine their eligibility for a Pell Grant.
  • The amount of financial aid offered through the Pell Grant will vary based on a number of factors, including the applicant’s financial situation, school costs, and enrollment status.

Affording college is a huge concern for many students, and Pell Grants play a vital role in making higher education accessible. We are going to tell you how to qualify for a Pell Grant and walk you through the steps and requirements to help you secure this vital financial aid to achieve your academic dreams.

Person filling out an application form

How to Qualify for a Pell Grant

In the 2023/24 academic year, federal Pell Grants covered 31% of expenses for US students at public four-year institutions and 13% for those at private, nonprofit four-year institutions.

To qualify for a Pell Grant, students must understand its characteristics, history, purpose, and what makes it different from other financial aid forms. Each detail helps in understanding the eligibility criteria and maximizing the benefits of the Pell Grant program.

Understanding the Pell Grant

A Pell Grant is a form of federal financial aid awarded to undergraduate students based on financial need. To apply, students are required to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which helps determine their eligibility. The awarded amount can vary based on various factors, including the applicant’s financial situation, school costs, and enrollment status.

What Is a Pell Grant?

A Pell Grant provides financial assistance that doesn’t need to be repaid, making it different from loans. It is intended to help low-income students pay for college-related expenses. The federal government determines the maximum grant amount annually, and funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.

History and Purpose of the Pell Grant

Created in 1972 and named after Senator Claiborne Pell, the Pell Grant program aims to make higher education accessible to students from low-income families. Initially part of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the grant has evolved to assist millions of students achieve their educational goals by reducing financial barriers.

Differences Between Pell Grants and Other Financial Aid

Pell Grants are different from other financial aid forms like loans and work-study programs. Grants don’t require repayment, unlike student loans, which accrue interest and must be repaid over time.

While work-study programs require students to work part-time jobs, Pell Grants provide direct financial assistance, allowing students to focus on their studies without additional work obligations.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Pell Grant, applicants must meet various criteria, including academic performance, financial need, citizenship, and enrollment status. Each factor plays a vital role in determining eligibility. These include:

  • US citizenship or eligible non-citizen status: Must be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
  • Valid Social Security number: Required, with limited exceptions.
  • High school diploma or equivalent: Must have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed a high school education in an approved homeschool setting.
  • Enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program: Must be enrolled or accepted for enrolment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program.
  • Demonstrated financial need: Determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Undergraduate student status: Generally, Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
  • Maintaining satisfactory academic progress: Must meet the school’s standards for satisfactory academic progress.

Let’s look into the major factors determining a student’s eligibility for the Pell Grant in more detail.

Citizenship and Residency

Applicants must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens, such as permanent residents, to qualify. Proof of status, like a Social Security number, is required.

Eligible non-citizens also need to provide specific documentation, such as an alien registration number. Those under certain visa categories or whose citizenship status is unresolved are not eligible.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent homeschool documentation. They must be accepted or enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.

Woman using her laptop for studying

Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is necessary, which typically means maintaining a certain GPA and completing a percentage of attempted courses. Failure to meet these standards could result in losing grant eligibility.

Financial Need

A major factor in Pell Grant eligibility is financial need. This is determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated from the FAFSA form.

The EFC considers family income, assets, household size, and number of family members attending college. Lower EFC numbers increase the likelihood of receiving a Pell Grant.

Enrollment Status

Only those enrolled at least part-time in an eligible program can qualify. Being enrolled less than part-time may affect the grant amount yet not necessarily disqualify the applicant.

Students must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Those with a bachelor’s or professional degree are generally ineligible, with few exceptions.

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Application Process

To qualify for a Pell Grant, applicants must complete specific steps, including filling out the FAFSA form and submitting required documentation. Each step requires careful attention to detail to assure eligibility for funding.

Completing the FAFSA

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for a Pell Grant. Applicants can access the form online at the official FAFSA website. It’s vital to gather necessary information beforehand, such as Social Security numbers, tax returns, and bank statements.

The FAFSA form asks for detailed financial information about the student and their family. Accurate data entry is important, as this information is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which determines Pell Grant eligibility.

After submitting the FAFSA, applicants should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days. Review the SAR carefully to assure that information is correct. Any discrepancies should be corrected promptly to avoid delays in the application process.

Submitting Supporting Documents

In addition to the FAFSA, applicants need to submit supporting documents. These can include tax returns, W-2 forms, and other financial documents. Schools typically request these documents to verify the information provided on the FAFSA.

It’s important to pay close attention to deadlines when submitting these documents. Late submissions can lead to delays or even disqualification from receiving the grant. Most schools will specify the documents needed and provide instructions on how to submit them.

Applicants are advised to keep copies of documents submitted. This ensures they have records in case any issues arise or additional verification is needed. Tracking the status of the application through the financial aid office can also help in ensuring requirements are met.

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Maintaining Eligibility

Students must meet academic progress standards and reapply annually to maintain eligibility for a Pell Grant. Complying with these requirements is important to continue to receive financial aid.

Academic Progress

Students need to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards, which vary by school. Typically, this includes maintaining a minimum GPA, completing a certain percentage of attempted credits, and not exceeding 150% of the program’s required credits.

Falling short can result in losing Pell Grant eligibility.

Institutions often use probation periods to give students a chance to improve. Students should check their school’s SAP policy and work closely with academic advisors to stay compliant. Regularly monitoring grades and course completions helps maintain the required standards.

Woman wearing a graduation cap with a plain blue shirt

Reapplying Annually

Pell Grant recipients must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to continue receiving funds. The FAFSA form is typically available on October 1 for the next academic year.

Timely submission is vital for ensuring uninterrupted financial aid.

Financial circumstances may change, so it is necessary to submit updated income, family size, and other relevant details. Any significant changes could affect eligibility. Keeping documentation organized and setting reminders for deadlines can streamline the reapplication process.

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Maximizing Your Pell Grant

To get the most out of your Pell Grant, it’s important to understand strategies for increasing your award and how to combine Pell Grants with other types of financial aid.

Strategies for Increasing Your Award

Filling out the FAFSA early each year is vital. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Assure accuracy when providing financial information. Incorrect data can lead to lower award amounts or delays.

Maintaining a high GPA can keep you eligible for larger awards. Many grants require satisfactory academic progress. Consider enrolling in summer courses, as some Pell Grant funds might be available for them, potentially increasing your total award amount.

Combining Pell Grants with Other Aid

Pell Grants can be combined with other federal aid, scholarships, and state grants.

Students should contact their financial aid office to learn about available options and ensure they comply with the different application procedures. Using a budget to manage living expenses can stretch financial aid further.

Sometimes, work-study programs can be paired with grants to minimize loan dependency. However, balancing work hours with academic performance is important.

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Best Colleges That Offer Pell Grants

Many prestigious universities offer Pell Grants to eligible students, providing significant financial aid to help students complete their studies. The availability of Pell Grants at these institutions highlights their commitment to accessible education.

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    #1 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #1 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #1 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $139,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Harvard University ensures that financial constraints don’t hinder access to its world-class education for students from lower-income families by administering federally-funded Pell Grants. Harvard’s financial aid policy is need-based, with significant institutional resources dedicated to covering costs not met by Pell Grants.

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  2. #2

    Stanford University

    Stanford , CA
    #3 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #3 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #3 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #4 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

    Cost of Degree: $62,484
    Expenses: $25,349
    Starting Salary: $141,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stanford University supports eligible students through the federally-funded Pell Grant program. The university’s financial aid office diligently assesses each student’s financial situation to supplement federal grants with university funds.

    Stanford’s need-blind admissions policy also means that a student’s financial need doesn’t impact their admission prospects, further supporting equitable access to education.

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  3. #3

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cambridge , MA
    #5 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #7 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,156
    Expenses: $22,574
    Starting Salary: $153,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    MIT offers substantial financial aid packages, including federally-funded Pell Grants, to assure that talented students from different economic backgrounds can attend. The institute prioritizes need-based aid and utilizes a combination of federal, state, and institutional resources to cover costs.

    Pell Grant recipients at MIT often find that the grant forms part of a more comprehensive financial aid package that minimizes out-of-pocket expenses.

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    4. Harvard University
  5. #4

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UC Berkeley actively participates in the Pell Grant program to support students from lower-income households. The university’s financial aid office ensures that eligible students receive Pell Grants, which are funded by the federal government, as part of their financial aid packages.

    Berkeley supplements federal grant aid with state and institutional funds, making higher education more accessible. UC Berkeley also offers extensive financial literacy resources to help students manage their finances effectively.

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  6. #5

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $18,309
    Expenses: $17,554
    Starting Salary: $79,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, includes federally funded Pell Grants as part of its commitment to making education accessible. The university’s financial aid office ensures that students receive the maximum Pell Grant award they are eligible for, integrating it into broader financial aid packages.

    Michigan supplements federal aid with institutional grants and scholarships, reducing the financial burden on students and their families. The institute’s rigorous support ensures students can focus on academic goals without excessive financial stress.

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  7. #6

    University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill , NC
    #9 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online #9 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #12 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #13 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Cost of Degree: $8,989
    Expenses: $17,120
    Starting Salary: $68,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    UNC-Chapel Hill students are eligible for Pell Grants. The financial aid office at UNC actively works with students to make sure they receive federal aid they qualify for, including Pell Grants.

    The university complements federal aid with state and institutional resources, creating comprehensive financial aid packages. UNC’s dedication to reducing financial barriers helps many students pursue their education without financial strains.

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Related Questions

What Is the Maximum Pell Grant Award for the 2024-2025 Academic Year?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024-2025 academic year is set at $7,395. This amount is allocated based on full-time enrollment and financial need. Part-time students might receive less. Award amounts can vary according to the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), academic schedule, and actual cost of attendance.

Can Graduate Students Qualify for Pell Grants?

Graduate students typically don’t qualify for Pell Grants. Pell Grants are generally for undergraduate students in their first bachelor’s degree. However, there are specific exceptions, such as post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs.

How Does the Pell Grant Affect Other Financial Aid?

Receiving a Pell Grant could impact eligibility for other types of financial aid. The Pell Grant is considered when calculating a general financial aid package. The total aid received, including loans and other grants, can’t exceed the student’s cost of attendance. Some schools might reduce other forms of aid if a student is awarded a Pell Grant.

Conclusion

Getting a Pell Grant can significantly help in reducing the financial burden of higher education. To qualify, students must meet the necessary criteria by diligently following the application steps. This includes filing the FAFSA annually, maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and keeping track of important deadlines. Staying informed about any changes in eligibility requirements can also be beneficial.

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