The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for undergraduate students with financial need. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Verify eligibility. To qualify for a Pell Grant:
- Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program at an eligible institution
- Not have already earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree
- Demonstrate financial need based on SAI calculation
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant
- Create an FSA ID. Go to studentaid.gov and create a Federal Student Aid ID (username and password). This is required to complete the FAFSA.
- Complete the FAFSA. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at studentaid.gov:
Common Mistakes
- Not filing the FAFSA
- Assuming you will not qualify
- Not understanding part-time eligibility
- Exceeding the lifetime limit
- Failing to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
Pro Tips
- File the FAFSA as early as possible
- Year-round Pell
- Pell for prison education programs
- Automatic maximum eligibility
- Report changes in circumstances