Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant provides need-based grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need as determined by the Department of Education calculations based on the information provided on the completed FAFSA. The awarded amount is dependent upon financial need, cost of attendance, enrollment status, and whether the student plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. The Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Students may find an estimate of their Federal Pell eligibility on the Pell Awarding Chart. In order to find this estimate the student will need to know their Expected Family Contribution (EFC from FAFSA) and the number of credit hours they plan to take in the semester. Please keep in mind that the Pell Chart is only an estimation of funds. Several other factors may contribute to a student's eligibility including, but not limited to, withdrawal or failure to attend classes, completion of the first academic year, and failure to meet satisfactory academic progress. 

To determine your eligibility for this grant, you must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you've done that you'll work with a financial aid advisor to find out how much you qualify for and when you'll receive it.

A student's eligibility is based on the number of credit hours for which they are registered on the Pell Lock-In date for a particular semester. Please refer to the information below regarding the current Pell Lock-In dates. For more information about the Federal Pell Grant, click here.

Important Opportunity ⇒ Year Round Pell

NEW! The Department of Education has approved Year Round Pell effective for the 2017-2018 award year, which means some students may be eligible for an additional semester of Pell Grant funds up to 150% of their scheduled annual Pell Grant award. To be eligible for the Additional Pell Grant with the Year Round Pell opportunity, students MUST be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in the term they wish to receive additional Pell Grant funds.

Due the Year Round Pell opportunity, it is possible for students to use any remaining 2017-2018 Pell Grant annual award funds they may have for the Summer 2018 semester, making summer a "trailer" term in their award year. This would save the student's full 2018-2019 Pell Grant annual award for Fall 2018, Spring 2019 and Summer 2019 semesters. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to see if you qualify!