Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid
Up to $7,395 for 2026-27 (minimum $740); doesn't have to be repaid
- How much
- up to $7,395 for 2026-27 (minimum $740)
- Who qualifies
- Exceptional financial need. For 2026-27, applicants with an SAI of $14,790 or more (twice the max Pell) can't receive Pell, except under the Special Rule for dependents of certain deceased servicemembers and public safety officers. Lifetime limit 12 full-time terms (600%).
- For students starting college, undergrads
- U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due June 30, 2027 FAFSA-driven; federal FAFSA deadline June 30 at the end of the award year (school and state priority deadlines are earlier)
- How to apply
- Submit the FAFSA every year
- Your school determines eligibility and amount
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (studentaid.gov) and page 2
The details
Need-based grant for undergraduates who haven't earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree (exceptions for some postbaccalaureate teacher-certification and eligible workforce programs, and approved Prison Education Programs). The amount depends on your Student Aid Index, cost of attendance, full- or part-time enrollment, and remaining lifetime eligibility. Some students can receive up to 150% of their scheduled award in a year ('year-round Pell'). Lifetime limit: 12 full-time terms or the equivalent (600%, roughly six years). If your parent died serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or as a public safety officer, you may be eligible for the maximum award (the Special Rule).
More federal and national aid
- QuestBridge National College Matchfull four-year scholarship to a partner college (worth $360,000+; tuition, room/board, no loans)
- Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Programup to $55,000/yr for up to 4 years (last-dollar after institutional aid)
- Davidson Fellows Scholarship$100,000, $50,000, or $25,000 (one-time)
- Burger King Scholars Program$1,000 to $60,000 (most general-track awards $1,000 or $5,000; up to three $60,000 James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarships)
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)$37,000/yr stipend + $16,000/yr cost-of-education allowance to the school, for 3 years
Keep looking
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.