If you hope to attend college in 2026 and you’re wondering how you’re going to pay for it, you might want to apply for a Pell Grant. After all, college tuition has been steadily skyrocketing, with the average tuition cost rising by more than 179% over the last two decades.
And if you’re awarded a full Pell Grant, your tuition may be covered at Campus, an online community college where you can earn an associates in business administration degree.In other words, you may have no out-of-pocket costs for tuition.
Here’s what you should know about how to apply for a Pell Grant in 2025.
What is a Pell Grant?
The largest federal grant program for U.S. undergraduates, the Pell Grant helps students pay for college tuition and expenses. Since its 1980 inception, the Pell Grant program has helped more than 200 million people in need access higher education.
In general, you do not have to repay Pell Grants. That is, unless you left school before finishing an enrollment period, or if you received a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grant but didn’t complete your service requirement.
Who is Eligible for a Pell Grant?
Pell Grant requirements 2025 call for you to be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen and demonstrate that you need financial assistance. You may not already hold a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree, according to Pell Grant eligibility criteria.
In assessing your eligibility, the grant program will also take into account your family size and filing status, as well as federal government guidelines.
How Much Pell Grant Money Can I Receive in 2025?
If you qualify for a grant, the minimum you can be awarded is 10% of whatever the maximum is for that program year. Each year, the federal government sets the maximum award amount. For the 2024-2025 academic year — which runs from July 1 to June 30 — that amount is $7,395. That means that the least you will receive in a Pell Grant award is $739.50.
The amount you’re ultimately awarded will depend on factors such as your Student Aid Index, which is based on your free application for Federal Student Financial Aid submission. The government will also consider the cost to attend your school and specific program, and whether you’re a full- or part-time student. Another consideration is whether you plan to attend school for a full academic year, or less.
Note that the amount you can be awarded in your lifetime is restricted to the equivalent of six years of grant funding.
How Do I Apply for a Pell Grant?
As for the Pell Grant application process, begin by completing FAFSA application 2025-2026. Remember, the financial aid form covers multiple types of financial aid, including Pell Grants.
Note these federal Pell Grant deadlines 2025-2026:
- FAFSA submission deadline: June 30 at 11:59 p.m. CDT
- FAFSA correction/update: Sept. 13, 11:59 p.m. CDT
Each state has its own deadline for student financial aid information.
Here are required steps:
- Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) identification. Go to the FSA website to create your ID, which you’ll need to access and submit your FAFSA.
- Gather documents. Pull together the information you’ll need, including your Social Security number, tax records, and details about your family’s income and assets. If you have one, you’ll also need your driver’s license.
- Complete the FAFSA. Fill out the form at FAFSA.gov or by using the myStudentAid mobile app. Enter the school codes for the colleges in which you’re interested.
- Submit the FAFSA. Do this as early as possible, ideally on or shortly after Oct. 1 when financial aid opens for the next academic year.
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR). Once you’ve submitted your form, you’ll receive a SAR summarizing your application info. Look over the document for any needed corrections.
- Await your financial aid award letter. If you’re eligible for a Pell Grant, your college will send you a financial aid award letter stating the grant amount and any additional financial aid.
After you submit your form, you’ll find out the amount for which you are eligible. Note that for every school year that you require financial aid, you will have to submit a FAFSA.
In Summary
We at Campus believe that college should be accessible, which is why tuition in our online business administration degree program is priced below the Pell Grant maximum. This means that if you get a full grant, you may not have to pay any portion of your tuition out-of-pocket. Other financial aid is available as well.
Apply today to get started.