Apply For A Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest source of need-based grant aid for U.S. undergraduate students. To apply, you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. There is no separate Pell Grant application — the FAFSA is the application for the Pell Grant and for most other federal student aid.

For the 2026–27 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 and the minimum is $740. Your actual award is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), the cost of attendance at your school, and your enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, or less than half-time).

Steps to apply

1. Create an FSA ID. You and one parent (if you are a dependent student) each create your own FSA ID at studentaid.gov. The FSA ID is your federal student aid login.
2. Gather your documents. You will need Social Security numbers, federal income tax returns, records of untaxed income, and information about assets and family size.
3. File the FAFSA. The FAFSA opens each year on or before October 1 for the following award year. File as early as you can; some related grant programs run out of funds.
4. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary. The Department of Education sends a summary showing your SAI and the schools that will receive your information. Check it carefully for errors.
5. Wait for your school's financial aid offer. Your school uses your FAFSA data to determine your Pell award and package it with any other aid you qualify for.

Who qualifies

To receive a Pell Grant you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program (or a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program in limited cases)
• Demonstrate financial need based on your SAI

Pell eligibility is generally limited to the equivalent of 12 semesters of full-time enrollment over your lifetime.

For a fuller overview of the program, see our Pell Grants pillar page.

Where to apply

Apply at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is always free. GovernmentGrants.com is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education.