Federal Pell Grants are free money given to undergraduate students with high financial need and who have not previously earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. You do not need to repay this money back.
Every year, the maximum Pell Grant amount changes. For the 2024-2025 school year, the maximum award is $7,395. Your personal award amount will be based on a number of factors, including your Student Aid Index (SAI), your college’s Cost of Attendance (COA), whether you will be studying full- or part-time, and whether you will be attending for a full academic year or less.
To apply for a Pell Grant, you must submit a FAFSA® form. You will then automatically be considered for the Pell Grant. Your award amount will be shown in the financial aid award letter from your college. You will have to fill out the FAFSA® form every year you’re in school and continue to demonstrate financial need to stay eligible for the grant.