group of college students walking down stairs
/ College, Scholarships / By

Federal Pell Grants and Scholarship Resources:

What You Need to Know


🕒 4-minute read

If you’re planning to attend college and need help covering the costs, the Federal Pell Grant could be one of your most valuable resources. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants don’t have to be repaid (except in rare cases), making them a key option for students with significant financial need.


Who’s Eligible?

  • Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need
  • Students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree

Special cases may also qualify:

  • Students in certain postbaccalaureate teacher certification programs
  • Incarcerated students enrolled in approved Prison Education Programs
  • Individuals subject to involuntary civil commitment after incarceration for sexual offenses

⚠️ Important: You can only receive a Pell Grant from one school at a time. Eligibility requirements are changing starting July 1, 2026, due to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which will affect how some students’ eligibility and award amounts are calculated.

Key changes for the 2026-27 academic year:

  • Student Aid Index (SAI):
    Students with an SAI equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant amount will no longer be eligible
  • Full-cost scholarships:
    Students who receive grants or scholarships that cover their entire cost of attendance will be ineligible for Pell Grants
  • Short-term programs:
    Pell Grant eligibility will be expanded to include students in programs between 150-599 clock hours, which previously were not eligible
  • Foreign income:
    Foreign earned income will be added to the adjusted gross income (AGI) on the FAFSA form, which can impact eligibility

How to Apply

To apply for a Pell Grant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). This form helps determine your eligibility and how much aid you can receive. You’ll need to submit the FAFSA every year you’re in school to remain eligible.

Before applying, check your school’s cost of attendance, which includes:

  • Tuition and fees
  • Housing and meals
  • Books, supplies, and other related expenses

How Much Can You Get?

For the 2025–26 school year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395.

What affects your grant amount?

  • Student Aid Index (SAI) from your FAFSA
  • Cost of attendance at your school
  • Full-time or part-time status
  • Whether you attend for a full academic year or less

In some cases, you can receive up to 150% of your scheduled award for “year-round Pell”—for example, by enrolling in summer courses.

🔁 Lifetime limit: You can receive Pell Grants for up to 12 full-time semesters (roughly six years).


How You’ll Get the Money

Your school may:

  • Apply funds directly to your tuition and fees,
  • Pay you directly, or
  • Use a combination of both methods

Special Circumstances

You might qualify for additional Pell Grant funds if your parent died while:

  • Serving on active military duty, or
  • Working as a public safety officer

Watch Out for Scams

Be cautious of unsolicited offers for things like “pandemic grants” or “Biden loan forgiveness” that sound too good to be true. Always check with your school’s financial aid office to verify legitimacy.


Final Tips

  • Always fill out the FAFSA® annually.
  • Keep track of your eligibility limit.
  • Stay enrolled and in good academic standing.
  • If you’ve earned a bachelor’s or professional degree—or used all 12 terms—you’re no longer eligible.

More Resources:

Learn more about Rave Financial’s annual scholarship opportunities at https://trustbrief.live/scholarship/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Read more

Scroll to Top