Pell Grant

A Pell Grant is a type of financial aid provided by the U.S. federal government to help eligible undergraduate students finance their college education. It is a need-based grant, meaning it is awarded based on the student's financial need and does not have to be repaid. The grant aims to make higher education more accessible to low-income students and covers a portion of tuition, fees, and potentially other educational expenses. The amount awarded can vary annually depending on the student's financial situation and the federal government's budget.

Common Questions

  • Who is eligible to receive a Pell Grant?

    To be eligible for a Pell Grant, a student must be an undergraduate attending a participating institution, demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

  • How is the amount of a Pell Grant determined?

    The amount of a Pell Grant is determined based on the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the cost of attendance at their chosen school, and whether they are attending full-time or part-time.

  • Do Pell Grants need to be repaid after graduation?

    No, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid, as they are grants and not loans. However, if a student withdraws from school or changes their enrollment status, they may need to repay part of the grant.

Pell Grant - College Glossary Term