See details for your state

Department of Education

Federal Pell Grant

BenefitEducationRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$7K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Need-based federal grant for low and moderate income undergraduate students. Does not need to be repaid. Award amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Help paying for school, training, meals, or education-related services.

Ask the school or program office what documents they accept if you do not have one item on the list.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Can you demonstrate exceptional financial need based on the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution?
Are you an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree?
Are you enrolled at least half-time at a participating college or university?
Are you a US citizen, eligible non-citizen, or qualifying non-citizen with valid Social Security number?
Cannot be in default on a federal student loan or owe an overpayment on a federal student aid grant?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov — file as early as October 1 for the upcoming year
2FSA ID (username and password) to access and sign the FAFSA online
3Social Security number (for you and your parents if dependent)
4Federal tax return and W-2s from 2 years prior (can use IRS Direct Data Exchange to transfer automatically)
5Records of untaxed income: child support, veterans benefits, worker's comp, etc.
6Bank statements showing current balance of savings and checking accounts

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the school or program office that handles Federal Pell Grant.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Bureau of Indian Education, U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Indian Education Scholarships

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Work-Study

See details for your state

Department of Education

Federal Pell Grant

BenefitEducationRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$7K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Need-based federal grant for low and moderate income undergraduate students. Does not need to be repaid. Award amount depends on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Help paying for school, training, meals, or education-related services.

Ask the school or program office what documents they accept if you do not have one item on the list.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Can you demonstrate exceptional financial need based on the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution?
Are you an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor's degree?
Are you enrolled at least half-time at a participating college or university?
Are you a US citizen, eligible non-citizen, or qualifying non-citizen with valid Social Security number?
Cannot be in default on a federal student loan or owe an overpayment on a federal student aid grant?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1Completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov — file as early as October 1 for the upcoming year
2FSA ID (username and password) to access and sign the FAFSA online
3Social Security number (for you and your parents if dependent)
4Federal tax return and W-2s from 2 years prior (can use IRS Direct Data Exchange to transfer automatically)
5Records of untaxed income: child support, veterans benefits, worker's comp, etc.
6Bank statements showing current balance of savings and checking accounts

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the school or program office that handles Federal Pell Grant.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

Bureau of Indian Education, U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Indian Education Scholarships

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

U.S. Department of Education

Federal Work-Study