A Pell Grant is federal money for college that you don’t repay. Millions of students qualify, and some leave it unclaimed simply by not filing.
Key numbers
- The maximum Pell Grant for the 2026–27 school year is $7,395, and the minimum is $740.
- Eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index, cost of attendance and enrollment status.
- You can receive Pell for the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters over your lifetime.
- From July 1, 2026, Workforce Pell can cover some short job-training programs.
The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for undergraduates. Unlike a loan, it doesn’t have to be paid back. You apply simply by filing the FAFSA.
How much
| School year | Maximum award | Minimum award |
|---|---|---|
| 2026–27 | $7,395 | $740 |
Your actual award depends on three things:
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI), calculated from your FAFSA.
- Your school’s cost of attendance.
- Your enrollment status, from full time to less than half time.
Under the formula introduced with the new FAFSA, many students from low-income families qualify for the maximum automatically, based on family size and income compared with the federal poverty guidelines. Part-time students receive a proportional amount.
The lifetime limit
You can receive Pell for up to the equivalent of six years of full-time study, often described as 12 full-time semesters or 600%. StudentAid.gov shows how much of that “lifetime eligibility used” you have left, which matters for adults returning to school.
Year-round Pell
If you’re enrolled at least half time, you may be able to receive up to 150% of your scheduled award in a year, so you can keep taking classes in summer and finish sooner.
Workforce Pell
Starting July 1, 2026, a new Workforce Pell Grant can cover eligible short-term job training programs of about 150 to 599 clock hours, lasting at least 8 and fewer than 15 weeks. Programs need approval from their state and must meet completion, job placement and earnings standards, so the list of eligible programs is expected to start small. Ask the school whether a specific program qualifies.
Money tip
Pell can be used for tuition, fees, housing, books and other costs in your school’s cost of attendance. If your grant is larger than your tuition bill, the school pays you the balance as a refund for other expenses.
Keeping it
Re-file the FAFSA every year, and keep up with your school’s satisfactory academic progress rules: usually a minimum GPA and completing a set share of the courses you attempt.
If your family’s finances changed after the tax year the FAFSA used, you may qualify for more; see how to appeal a financial aid offer.
Questions families ask
Do I have to repay a Pell Grant?
Generally not. You might have to repay part of it if you withdraw early in a term or if your enrollment status changes after the grant is paid.
Can graduate students get Pell?
No. Pell Grants are for undergraduates who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree, with a narrow exception for some teacher certification programs.
Can I get Pell for summer classes?
Often, yes. Year-round Pell lets eligible students who are enrolled at least half time receive up to 150% of their usual annual award.
Award amounts, loan limits and tax rules change, and some 2026 rules are still being finalized. This guide is general information for U.S. students and families, not financial or tax advice; confirm details at StudentAid.gov, with the IRS or with your school’s financial aid office.
