Grants for College 2026–27: Pell Grant, FAFSA & Who Qualifies

The Federal Pell Grant is grant money for college from the U.S. government — unlike a student loan, you do not have to pay it back. For the 2026–27 award year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), the maximum award is $7,395. You apply with one form: the FAFSA.

Pell Grant at a Glance (2026–27)

Question	Answer
Maximum award	$7,395 for the 2026–27 award year (studentaid.gov)
Do you pay it back?	No — it’s a grant, not a loan
Who is it for?	Mainly undergraduates who don’t have a bachelor’s or graduate degree
Income limit	None — eligibility comes from your FAFSA, not one cutoff number
Where to apply	studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (free)
Lifetime limit	12 full-time terms (about 6 years)

What Is the Federal Pell Grant?

The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for college students. It is aimed at undergraduate students with financial need. Because it is a grant, it does not have to be repaid, except in limited cases — for example, if you withdraw from school partway through a term.

You can use a Pell Grant at most colleges, universities, community colleges, and many career and trade schools that take part in federal student aid programs.

Who Qualifies for a Pell Grant?

You may qualify if you can check these boxes (studentaid.gov):

• You are an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. (A few exceptions exist, such as some post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs, eligible workforce programs, and approved Prison Education Programs.)
• You have financial need, shown by the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculated from your FAFSA.
• You are enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an eligible program at a school that participates in federal student aid.
• You still have lifetime eligibility left (see below).

Is there an income limit? (Myth-busting)

Many people search for a “Pell Grant income limit,” but there is no single income cutoff. Eligibility depends on your Student Aid Index — a number based on your family’s income, family size, and other details from the FAFSA — plus your school’s cost of attendance and how many credits you take. Two families with the same income can get different amounts. The only way to find out is to submit the FAFSA. It’s free and takes less time than most people expect.

How to Apply: FAFSA Step by Step

You apply for the Pell Grant by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). One form covers Pell Grants, federal student loans, work-study, and most state and school aid.

1. Create a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID). If you’re a dependent student, a parent will usually need one too.
2. Gather your documents. Social Security numbers, federal tax information, and records of any untaxed income for you (and your parents or spouse, if required).
3. Fill out the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For the 2026–27 school year, use the 2026–27 form.
4. List every school you’re considering. Each school you list gets your information and can build you an aid offer.
5. Submit early and watch for deadlines. Federal, state, and school deadlines all differ, and some state grant money runs out. Check the current deadlines on studentaid.gov and submit as early as you can.
6. Review your aid offers. Schools that accept you will send financial aid offers showing your Pell Grant amount and other aid.

Never pay to file the FAFSA. The first “F” stands for “Free.” Only use the official studentaid.gov site.

How Much Is a Pell Grant in 2026–27?

The maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 for the 2026–27 award year (studentaid.gov). Most students receive less than the maximum. Your exact amount depends on:

Factor	How it affects your grant
Student Aid Index (SAI)	Lower SAI generally means a larger grant
Cost of attendance	Set by your school for your program
Enrollment intensity	Full-time students get more than part-time students
Program length	Whether you attend a full academic year or less
Remaining eligibility	How much of your 12-term lifetime limit is left

How and When You Get the Money

Your school applies the Pell Grant for you. Typically, the school first uses the grant to cover tuition, fees, and (if you live on campus) room and board. If money is left over, the school pays the rest to you for other education costs, such as books and supplies. Ask your school’s financial aid office how and when it disburses funds — schedules vary by school.

Keeping Your Pell Grant

A Pell Grant is not automatic from year to year. To keep receiving it:

• Submit a new FAFSA every year. Your eligibility is recalculated annually (studentaid.gov).
• Watch your lifetime limit. You can receive Pell Grants for up to 12 full-time terms — about six years. Part-time enrollment uses the limit more slowly.
• Consider year-round Pell. If you enroll in summer terms, you may receive up to 150% of your scheduled award in a single year, which can help you graduate faster.
• Stay on track academically. Schools require satisfactory academic progress to keep federal aid.

More Help While You’re in School

A Pell Grant covers school costs, but many students qualify for other federal programs at the same time. If your household income is low, check whether you qualify for SNAP food benefits, a Lifeline discount on your phone or internet bill, or help with heating and cooling bills through LIHEAP. Each program has its own rules and application.

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This guide reflects federal rules for the 2026–27 award year (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), based on studentaid.gov as of July 18, 2026.