The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant that generally does not have to be repaid, making it an important source of financial aid for eligible students. If you're planning to attend college, understanding Pell Grant requirements can help you determine whether you qualify and how much aid you may receive.
For the 2025–26 and 2026–27 award years, eligible students can receive between $740 and $7,395 through the Pell Grant program, depending on financial need, enrollment status, and other factors.
Quick Answer: Who Qualifies for a Pell Grant?
To qualify for a Pell Grant, you generally must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible non-citizen
- Complete the FAFSA
- Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA's Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Be enrolled or accepted into an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program
- Not already hold a bachelor's or professional degree
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
- Not be in default on a federal student loan
- Remain within the Pell Grant lifetime eligibility limit
For both the 2025–26 and 2026–27 award years, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395.
What Is a Pell Grant?
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education to help undergraduate students pay for college.
Unlike student loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid except in rare circumstances, such as withdrawing from school before completing a term.
2025–26 and 2026–27 Pell Grant Award Amounts
Your actual award depends on:
- Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Family income
- Cost of attendance
- Enrollment intensity (full-time, half-time, etc.)
- Length of enrollment during the academic year
Pell Grant Eligibility Requirements
1. U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizen Status
You must be one of the following:
- U.S. citizen
- U.S. national
- Permanent resident (green card holder)
- Eligible refugee, asylee, or certain humanitarian parolees
Students attending school on temporary visas generally are not eligible for federal Pell Grants.
2. Demonstrate Financial Need Through the FAFSA
Financial need is the primary factor used to determine Pell Grant eligibility.
The FAFSA calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Your SAI is based on factors including:
- Family income
- Family size
- Assets (when applicable)
- Tax information
How Pell Grant Awards Are Determined
Students may qualify through one of three pathways:
Maximum Pell Grant
Students may qualify for the maximum award if:
- Household income falls below 175% of federal poverty guidelines, or
- Household income falls below 225% of federal poverty guidelines for single-parent households, or
- A parent is not required to file a federal tax return
Minimum Pell Grant
Students who exceed maximum-award thresholds but still demonstrate financial need may qualify for a minimum award equal to 10% of the maximum Pell Grant.
Calculated Pell Grant
For many students, Pell Grant eligibility and award amounts are based on information provided on the FAFSA, including the Student Aid Index (SAI). Generally, students with lower SAIs may qualify for larger Pell Grant awards, while students with higher SAIs may qualify for smaller awards or may not be eligible.
For students who do not qualify under the Maximum Pell or Minimum Pell rules, an SAI-calculated Pell amount is generally determined by subtracting the student’s SAI from the annual maximum Pell Grant amount, then applying applicable federal award rules, and eligibility limits, including enrollment intensity, cost of attendance, lifetime eligibility used, and annual minimum award rules.
General Concept: Maximum Pell Grant − Student Aid Index (SAI) = Preliminary Calculated Pell Amount
Students with an SAI of 0 or less generally qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award, subject to federal eligibility requirements.
New Pell Grant Rule for 2026–27
Beginning with the 2026–27 award year, federal law establishes an upper Student Aid Index (SAI) threshold for Pell Grant eligibility.
In general, students whose:
SAI ≥ $14,790
may not qualify for a Pell Grant, subject to applicable federal requirements and guidance. Students should consult StudentAid.gov and their financial aid office for the most current eligibility information.
This threshold equals twice the maximum Pell Grant award and was established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
This restriction did not exist during the 2025–26 award year.
3. Be an Undergraduate Student
Pell Grants are intended for students pursuing their first undergraduate credential.
You generally qualify if you are:
- Enrolled in an associate degree program
- Enrolled in a bachelor's degree program
- Enrolled in an eligible certificate program
You generally do not qualify if you already have:
- A bachelor's degree
- A first professional degree
Can Part-Time Students Receive Pell Grants?
Yes.
Students do not need to attend full-time to qualify. However, awards are prorated based on enrollment intensity.
4. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To continue receiving Pell Grant funds, students must meet their school's Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
Requirements typically include:
- Maintaining a minimum GPA (often 2.0)
- Successfully completing a required percentage of attempted credits
- Completing a program within the maximum allowable timeframe
Failure to meet SAP requirements can result in loss of federal financial aid eligibility.
5. Not Be in Default on Federal Student Aid
You may be ineligible if you:
- Are in default on a federal student loan
- Owe an unresolved federal grant overpayment
In some situations, eligibility can be restored after resolving the issue.
6. Stay Within the Pell Grant Lifetime Limit
Federal law limits Pell Grant funding to:
600% Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)
This equals approximately:
- Six years of full-time Pell Grant funding
- Twelve semesters of full-time eligibility
Each year you receive a full Pell Grant counts as 100% LEU.
Students can view their remaining eligibility through their StudentAid.gov account.
How to Apply for a Pell Grant
There is no separate Pell Grant application.
To apply:
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Submit all requested documentation.
- Review your FAFSA Submission Summary.
- Receive your financial aid offer from your school.
When Does FAFSA Open?
The U.S. Department of Education announces FAFSA availability each year. Students should complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available and monitor StudentAid.gov for current application deadlines and updates.
Students who qualify for federal financial aid may be able to use Pell Grant funds toward eligible educational expenses at Campus, helping reduce out-of-pocket college costs. Because Campus participates in federal financial aid programs, Pell Grants are applied directly to a student's cost of attendance after FAFSA eligibility is determined.
Pell Grant Requirements Checklist
Before submitting the FAFSA, confirm that you:
✓ Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
✓ Are enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program
✓ Have not earned a bachelor's degree
✓ Demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA
✓ Meet your school's SAP requirements
✓ Are not in federal student loan default
✓ Have remaining Pell Grant lifetime eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What income qualifies for a Pell Grant?
There is no single income cutoff. Eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), family size, household income, and other FAFSA factors. Many students from low- and moderate-income households qualify.
Can graduate students receive Pell Grants?
No. Pell Grants are generally limited to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
Do I need to attend school full-time to receive a Pell Grant?
No. Part-time students may qualify, although their award amount will be reduced based on enrollment intensity.
Can I lose Pell Grant eligibility?
Yes. Students can lose eligibility by failing to maintain satisfactory academic progress, exceeding lifetime eligibility limits, or becoming ineligible for federal student aid.
What is the maximum Pell Grant for 2025–26 and 2026–27?
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for both award years.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only. Federal financial aid programs, including the Federal Pell Grant, are governed by federal law and are subject to change. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Education based on information submitted through the FAFSA and other applicable federal requirements. Campus does not determine Pell Grant eligibility or award amounts. Students should visit StudentAid.gov or contact the Campus Financial Aid Office for the most current information regarding federal student aid programs.