Federal Pell Grants
Eligibility
- You must have financial need, as determined by the FAFSA.
- You must be an undergraduate student who has not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
- Pell Grants are awarded for eligible classes, which must be added no later than the semester add/drop deadline.
- You may only receive up to 12 semesters (or roughly six years) worth of Pell Grants in a lifetime.
Pell Grant Amounts
Pell Grant amounts are based on a combination of your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) calculated from the FAFSA and your enrollment at the semester add/drop deadline. Amounts are prorated based on your number of eligible credits. It is expected that all credits in which Pell is awarded for are completed. Credits that are not successfully completed (e.g., E and W grades) may lead to a reduction or cancellation of Pell, depending on proof of participation and timing of disbursement.
View MyAid Dashboard for your specific Pell award breakdown.
Initial awards are for fall/winter semesters. Additional Pell Grant is available for spring/summer terms.
Additional Pell Grant
You may qualify for additional Pell Grant for a third semester if you received 100% of your Pell Grant for two semesters in the academic year. In order to receive the additional Pell Grant, you must be enrolled in at least six credit hours for that semester. If spring or summer terms count as the third semester, you must be enrolled in at least six credits total between both terms in order to maintain eligibility.
Pell Grant Eligibility Changes Each Year
Your Pell Grant eligibility is determined each year when you submit the FAFSA and the government calculates your EFC. The EFC is an estimate of what you (and your parents if you're considered dependent on the FAFSA) can afford to pay towards your education each year. It is also an index number that determines the Pell Grant amount you can receive. This can change each year based on several factors, which include, but are not limited to, changes in your or your parents' income reported on the 1040 Tax Return, asset information, marital status changes, as well as changes to household size or number in college for you or your parents.
If your EFC has changed significantly from one year to the next and you have questions about why your Pell Grant eligibility has changed, we encourage you to speak with an Enrollment Services Counselor. They are happy to help you understand those changes.