Do I Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant?

The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance from the federal government that does not need to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students completing their first bachelor’s degree who demonstrate significant financial need.  

To determine eligibility, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula established by Congress to evaluate the information reported on the FAFSA. The formula produces a Student Aid Index figure. This figure is used by colleges and universities to award Pell Grants, as well as other types of aid. The amount of Pell Grant you are eligible for is determined by the following:

1. Your FAFSA SAI.
2. Your enrollment per semester. The Pell Grant is offered at full-time eligibility; however, the amount that disburses is based on your actual enrolled credit hours each semester.
3. Your remaining lifetime Pell Grant eligibility. You can monitor and view your lifetime Federal Pell Grant usage by logging in to the National Student Loan Database using your Federal Student Aid ID. The Lifetime Eligibility Used will be found on the Financial Aid Review page. You are limited to 12 semesters (or 6 years; equivalent to 600%) of Pell Grant funding while completing your first undergraduate degree.

During your attendance, there may be adjustments to your already awarded Pell Grant if you:

• change the number of enrolled credits during the semester (i.e., full-time to half-time)
• withdraw from a class before the end of the session or semester 
• fail to participate in enrolled classes (EN grade)