PROGRAMS > PELL GRANTS

Pell Grants: What You Need To Know

Pell grants are Federal Student Grants that are typically awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

How Much Money Can I Get?

The amount of money you can get from a Federal Pell Grant changes yearly. For the 2021–22 award year (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022), the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,495

The specific amount you receive is based on a number of factors, including:

• Your status as a full-time or part-time student
• The cost of attendance (determined by your school for your specific program)
• The financial situation and expected contribution of your family
• Your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less

When You May Have to Repay a Grant

Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

• You receive outside scholarships that reduced your need for federal aid.
• You withdraw early and do not complete your educational program.
• You switch from full-time to part-time enrollment.

Your school will notify you if you must repay part of your grant. You will have 45 days from that notice to either pay back the portion of the grant or enter into a repayment arrangement.