Basic may be able to access for a Pell Grant

To receive a Pell Grant, you must be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited school, and demonstrate financial need. You also need a valid Social Security number and a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED). If you're already working on a bachelor's degree, you cannot receive a Pell Grant for undergraduate study, though some students pursuing a second bachelor's degree may be may be able to access under specific circumstances.

Financial need is the main factor that determines how much you receive. The federal government calculates this by looking at your family's income, assets, family size, and how many family members are in school. A student from a family earning $30,000 per year will likely receive more than a student from a family earning $80,000, but students from higher-income families can still receive grants if their circumstances warrant it.

You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress at your school — meaning you pass your courses and stay on track toward your degree. Schools define this differently, so ask your financial aid office what the standard is at your institution.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen, have a high school diploma or GED, and be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited school.
  • Financial need is calculated using your family's income, assets, family size, and the number of family members currently in school.
  • You cannot receive a Pell Grant if you are already working on a bachelor's degree, though some students pursuing a second bachelor's degree may be may be able to access.
  • Your school must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, and you must maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep receiving funds.
  • You do not need to be a full-time student — part-time students can receive Pell Grants, though the amount is typically smaller.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

U.S. citizens are automatically may be able to access. may be able to access noncitizens include permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other immigration statuses. You'll need to provide proof of your status when you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

If you are on a student visa (F-1 or M-1), you are not may be able to access for a Pell Grant. Undocumented immigrants are also not may be able to access for federal Pell Grants, though some states offer their own grant programs for undocumented students — check with your state's higher education agency.

Income and asset limits

There is no strict income cutoff for a Pell Grant. Instead, the federal government uses a formula that considers your family's income, the number of people in your household, and how many are in school. A family of four with a $40,000 annual income will have a different expected family contribution than a family of two with the same income.

Assets matter too. The formula accounts for savings, investments, and property your family owns (other than your primary home). Students with significant assets may have a lower Pell Grant amount or may not be may be able to access, even if family income is modest.

The maximum Pell Grant amount changes each year and is set by Congress. Your actual award depends on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and your enrollment status (full-time or part-time).

School enrollment and program requirements

Your school must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body and must participate in the federal student aid program. Most colleges and universities do, but some schools — particularly some for-profit institutions and trade schools — do not. Before enrolling, confirm that your school is may be able to access for federal aid by checking the Federal Student Aid website or asking the financial aid office directly.

You must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program that leads to a recognized credential. You cannot receive a Pell Grant for non-degree courses, continuing education, or professional development programs. Graduate students are not may be able to access, even if they are pursuing a master's degree at a school where they received their bachelor's.

Part-time students are may be able to access, but the grant amount is reduced based on enrollment intensity. A student taking half the normal course load receives roughly half the grant.

Academic progress and other ongoing requirements

After you receive your first Pell Grant, your school will monitor your academic progress each term. You must maintain a minimum GPA (usually 2.0) and complete a certain percentage of the credits you attempt. If you fail courses or fall behind, your school may place you on academic probation and suspend your aid until you improve.

You must also remain enrolled and not be in default on any previous federal student loans. If you owe money on a federal loan from a previous school and have not made arrangements to repay it, you will not be able to receive a new Pell Grant.

Your may be able to access is recalculated each year based on a new FAFSA. Changes in your family's income, assets, or family size can affect your award amount.

Who is not may be able to access for a Pell Grant

Students who already have a bachelor's degree cannot receive a Pell Grant for undergraduate study. Graduate students are not may be able to access. Students on student visas, undocumented immigrants, and noncitizens without may be able to access immigration status cannot receive federal Pell Grants.

If you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution, you are not may be able to access. Students who have received a Pell Grant for more than one academic year and are not making satisfactory progress may lose may be able to access until they improve their academic standing.

If you are in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant from a previous school, you cannot receive a new Pell Grant until you resolve the debt.

How to learn about you might be may be able to access

The most direct way is to complete the FAFSA, which is free and available at fafsa.gov. The form asks about your citizenship, income, assets, and family situation. After you submit it, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that shows your Expected Family Contribution — the amount the government calculates your family can pay toward education.

Your school's financial aid office will use this information to determine your Pell Grant amount. If you have questions about whether you meet the basic requirements before filling out the FAFSA, contact your school's financial aid office or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Pell Grant if I'm part-time?

Yes. Part-time students are may be able to access, but the grant amount is reduced based on how many credits you take. A student enrolled half-time typically receives about half the full-time grant amount. Your school determines what counts as part-time versus full-time enrollment.

What if my parents won't give me their financial information for the FAFSA?

If your parents refuse to provide information and you are a dependent student, you cannot complete the FAFSA accurately. However, you may be able to file as an independent student if you meet specific criteria — such as being 24 or older, married, a veteran, or having dependents of your own. Ask your school's financial aid office whether you may have access to as independent.

Can I get a Pell Grant if I'm studying online?

Yes, as long as your school is accredited and participates in federal aid programs. Many online schools meet these requirements. Confirm with your school's financial aid office that they are may be able to access before enrolling.

What happens to my Pell Grant if I change schools?

Your Pell Grant follows you to your new school if it is accredited and participates in federal aid. Your new school's financial aid office will process your aid based on your FAFSA information. If you change schools mid-year, the amount you receive may be adjusted based on the cost of attendance at the new school.

Do I lose my Pell Grant if I fail a class?

Not immediately, but failing courses affects your academic progress. If you fail enough courses that your GPA or completion rate falls below your school's standard, your school may suspend your aid. You can regain may be able to access by improving your grades and meeting the progress requirements again.