Federal Pell Grants are typically only offered to bachelor students who demonstrate a severe need for financial assistance and who do not already possess a bachelor's, postgraduate, or specialist degree. (However, there are particular instances in which a person enrolling teaching certification scheme may be eligible)

If you are in a national or state prison, facing an obligatory civil commitment, or serving time for a violent or nonforcible sexual offense, you are not eligible to earn a federal Pell Grant.

How do I apply?

Your initial action should be to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The schools use the data on your FAFSA® form to determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant and, if so, how much you can get. You must submit the FAFSA form each year that you are enrolled in classes to keep your eligibility for federal student aid, such as Pell Grants.

It's important to comprehend the cost of attendance at your chosen school to gauge how much financial assistance you might need. The cost of attendance for a program is the annual cost of that program before financial help is applied. Room and board (shelter and food) and other education-related expenses (direct and indirect) are also included. However, they may vary based on individual preferences. Once you know the attendance costs, you may make more effective plans to pay for your educational expenses.

How much money can I get?

Amounts may change every year. The largest Federal Bursary award for the 2022–2023 academic year is $6,895, which is valid from July 1–June 30, 2023.

Your Expected Household Donation, the expense of attendees for your specific system, whether you are a full- or part-time scholar, and whether you intend to enroll in college for an academic year or less will all affect how much you receive. It also depends on whether you plan to attend school full-time or part-time.

For instance, if you are eligible for a $2,000 Pell Grant for the award year and are enrolled full-time for both the fall and spring terms, you will likely get $1,000 in the fall and $1,000 in the spring. However, in rare circumstances, you may be eligible to receive an additional $1,000 for enrolling in an additional term within the award year, increasing your total award amount by 150%. This situation is occasionally referred to as "year-round Pell." For further information, contact your institution's financial help office.

How much would I be entitled to if my father had died in Afghanistan, Iraq, or in the line of duty?

It differs. You might be qualified for more Federal Pell Grant money if you were under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college or career school at the time of the death of your parent or legal guardian who served in the U.S. military who died while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan following the events of 9/11, or if they were a public safety officer who died while performing active duty in the line of duty.

Your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant will be reassessed as if your Anticipated Family Contributing (EFC) were zero if you satisfy these requirements. If you enroll for a shorter than full semester, your payments will change.

Following the September 11 attacks, students whose parent or guardian was in the military and died while fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan: You might be eligible to receive an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant if you meet the requirements above, but your EFC is too high to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

How will I be made whole?

Your school may pay you directly out of Pell Grant funds from the federal government, do both, or do both at once. Learn more about the payment options you have and the deadlines.

What should I do to maintain the grant?

In general, you must continue your enrollment in an undergraduate degree at a non-foreign university to qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. Additionally, you must submit the FAFSA form each year you are enrolled in classes to maintain your eligibility for federal student aid.

If you have earned a bachelor's degree, your first professional degree, or have exhausted all 12 terms; you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.