Pell Grants generally are awarded to eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have not earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Limited exceptions apply to qualifying postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs and approved eligible workforce programs. Otherwise eligible students with a bachelor’s degree may receive Workforce Pell. Students who have earned a graduate credential, or are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a graduate credential program, are not eligible for Workforce Pell.

• In some cases, students enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.
• Federal Pell Grant lifetime eligibility is limited to 12 semesters or the equivalent.
• Amounts can change yearly, but the amount awarded will depend on:
  • Your financial need,
  • Your cost of attendance,
  • Your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
  • Your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

For the 2026–27 award year, the maximum scheduled Pell Grant award is $7,395. Eligible students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled award through year-round Pell. Award amounts depend on eligibility, cost of attendance, enrollment intensity, and attendance duration. Students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $14,790 or more are ineligible, except those who qualify under the Special Rule for eligible children of certain deceased servicemembers and public safety officers. Students whose non-federal grants and scholarships equal or exceed their cost of attendance are also ineligible for Pell.

Learn more about the Federal Pell Grant.