Financial Aid

Pell Grant

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 Student Aid Index (SAI) 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 SAI 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, the student 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 is now studying for another undergraduate degree, 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.


Will my Pell grant amount change if I change my classes after the start of the term?
Pell grant amounts are adjusted based on registration up until census for the term. Census is the first day of 100% tuition liability and generally occurs around the 5th week of the term. After census, your Pell grant will not change if you add or drop classes. It may change if you withdraw from all your courses.