The exact amount a Pell Grant will pay varies for each student, but the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the 2024–25 award year is $7,395.
Understanding Your Pell Grant Amount
While there's a maximum amount, the specific Pell Grant you receive depends on several key factors. These factors are assessed to determine your individual eligibility and need.
The amount you qualify for is influenced by:
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI): This is a number calculated from the information you provide on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. A lower SAI generally indicates greater financial need and can result in a higher Pell Grant award.
- Cost of Attendance (COA): This refers to the total estimated cost to attend a particular school for an academic year, including tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Your Pell Grant amount will not exceed your school's COA.
- Your Status as a Full-time or Part-time Student: Generally, full-time students may be eligible for a larger Pell Grant compared to part-time students, as the grant is often prorated based on enrollment intensity.
- Your Plans to Attend School for a Full Academic Year or Less: If you plan to attend for less than a full academic year (e.g., one semester or quarter), your Pell Grant amount will be adjusted accordingly.
For comprehensive information on Federal Pell Grants and to understand how your specific amount might be determined, you can visit the official student aid website: Federal Pell Grant information.