The Federal Pell program provides assistance in the form of a grant to undergraduate students.  Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who are pursuing their first bachelor's degree. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.  Federal Pell Grants may be used to pay your tuition, or, if your tuition is covered by other means, to help you buy your books and supplies or pay your transportation costs.

To determine if you are eligible, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to evaluate the information you report when you apply. The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. Your Student Aid Report (SAR) contains this number and will inform you of the possibility that you may be eligible for Pell.  You can receive only one Pell Grant in an award year from one school at a time. How much you get will depend on your EFC, your cost of attendance and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less but there are also other determining factors which are listed below. 

Application Form

The FAFSA is the application that is used for federal government grants

Residency and Citizenship

You must be a citizen of the United States or eligible non-citizen

Additional information on Pell

·         You must be accepted for admission to a degree seeking eligible program

·         Pell Grant can be awarded if you are registered  for as few as one equated credit

·         Students can receive Pell Grants only up to 12 semesters, or the equivalent. 

·         Pell is for students pursuing undergraduate degrees only

·         You may not be in default on a previous federal student loan or owe the federal government a refund of financial aid previously received

·         You must be willing to verify the information you provide on the FAFSA

·         If you are male between 18 and 25 years of age you must register with Selective Service

·         Not convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs while receiving financial aid

Award Amounts

·         For the 2012-2013 academic year a Pell Grant ranges from $575 to as much as $5,550 a year, depending on your family income and other factors. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant it is possible to receive an award as either a part-time or full-time student.

Click below to find the Pell Chart