Pell Grant Questions & Answers

What is a Federal Pell grant?
It is a grant that does not have to be repaid. It is awarded to undergraduates only who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Pell grants go to the neediest students based on the FAFSA.

How do students apply?
By filing the FAFSA.

Who decides if students get the Pell grant?
Eligibility is based on the federal formula that calculates the expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA and a sliding scale of the student’s enrollment.

How much money can I get?
The FAFSA formula determines eligibility based on the EFC and a sliding scale of the student’s enrollment.

How many credits does a student have to be registered for to get Pell?
If a student is eligible for Pell as a full time student, he/she is usually eligible as a part time student and sometimes even as a less than half-time student. It is somewhat of a sliding scale based on a chart.

Can graduate students get Pell?
No

If a student already has a bachelor’s degree but now studying for another undergraduate program, can the student get Pell?
No

When will my Pell grant disburse?
Pell Grants usually disburse to your account on or about 10 days prior to the start of each term. For the Fall semester, the Pell Grant will pay on or after September 1. Please note: disbursement may not occur if you have not completed all the requirements and/or submitted all the required documentation.