Pell Grants FAQ
What Is A Pell Grant?
A Pell Grant is free money for college that you don’t have to pay back. It is given to students who need financial help. To see if you are eligible for one, you need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
How Do They Decide If I Get A Pell Grant?
Previously, Expected Family Contribution (EFC) determined Pell Grant eligibility. Starting in 2024-2025, the Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used. This formula looks at:
- The information you provide on the FAFSA
- Poverty guidelines
- Your enrollment
Your Pell Grant amount might change each semester. If you have questions, visit the Financial Aid office in Kimball 196 or use the chat bubble on this page.
How Much Pell Grant Will I Get?
Before, Pell Grants were based on your enrollment level (full-time, ¾ time, ½ time, and less than half-time). Starting in 2024-2025, how much you are offered depends on how many Program Applicable classes you take. Each class counts as a percentage of the total money you could get. Here’s how it works:
| Credit Hours | Enrollment Category (OLD) | Enrollment Intensity (NEW) |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ | Full-Time | 100% |
| 11 | Three-Quarter Time | 92% |
| 10 | Three-Quarter Time | 83% |
| 9 | Three-Quarter Time | 75% |
| 8 | Half-Time | 67% |
| 7 | Half-Time | 58% |
| 6 | Half-Time | 50% |
| 5 | Less Than Half-Time | 42% |
| 4 | Less Than Half-Time | 33% |
| 3 | Less Than Half-Time | 25% |
| 2 | Less Than Half-Time | 17% |
| 1 | Less Than Half-Time | 8% |
If you add or drop classes before the Financial Aid Determination Date (FADD) your aid will change.
New Terms To Know
- New formula that determines your aid eligibility
- Replaces EFC
Maximum Pell: You automatically qualify for the full Pell Grant amounts
Minimum Pell: You qualify for the minimum Pell Grant amount.
SAI Calculated Pell: : If you do not have Maximum Pell or Minimum Pell, but your SAI is below the Max Pell threshold, your SAI will be used to determine your Pell grant amount.
Remember: If your FAFSA summary doesn’t say you’re Pell Eligible, you won’t get a Pell Grant.
Can I Get A Pell Grant All Three Semesters?
- You can get Pell Grant for up to 36 credits in one school year.
- This is like getting three full-time Pell Grants (12 credits each)
- If you take fewer than 12 credits in a semester:
- You might get Pell Grant for four different semesters in one year.
Example:
Summer 2024: 4 credits
Fall 2024: 10 credits
Winter 2025: 10 credits
For Spring 2025 you will have 12 credits of eligibility remaining
Remember: The amount of credits you take affects how much Pell Grant you are offered each semester.
Is There A Lifetime Amount Of Pell Grant I Can Receive?
You can receive up to 600% of Pell Grant funds while earning your first bachelor’s degree. This means:
- If you take 12 or more credits each semester, you can get Pell for up to 12 semesters.
- If you take fewer classes, you might get Pell for more semesters.
You can check how much you’ve used in your lifetime at studentaid.gov
Important Pell Grant Rules
- Your Pell Grant amount can change if you add or drop classes before the Financial Aid Determination Date (FADD)
- If you drop classes, quit school, or don’t go to class, you might have to pay back your Pell Grant.
- You can’t receive Pell Grants at more than one school at the same time.
- You can’t receive Pell Grants for a disqualified repeat course.