Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based undergraduate student financial aid program administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. The amount of aid students can receive depends on their financial need, the cost of attendance at their school, and other factors. Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine eligibility. Schools use the information on the FAFSA form to determine eligibility for a Pell Grant and the award amount. Students must fill out the FAFSA form every year they are in school to stay eligible for federal student aid, including Pell Grant awards.