📅 Deadline: FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Submit as early as possible — some aid is first-come first-served
Provider
US Dept. of Education
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About this program
The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for individuals. Up to $7,395 per year for undergraduate students with financial need. Never has to be repaid. Roughly 6 million students receive it annually — but millions more qualify and never apply simply because they don't know about it or assume they won't qualify.
Who qualifies?
US citizens and eligible non-citizens enrolled in undergraduate programs at accredited schools. Based on financial need — most students from families earning under $60K qualify; many from families earning up to $100K+ may still get partial awards.
What you get
Up to $7,395 per year applied directly toward tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board. Can be used at thousands of schools nationwide.
Requirements
- ✓US citizenship or eligible non-citizen status
- ✓Enrolled in accredited undergraduate program
- ✓Financial need based on family income and assets
- ✓FAFSA submitted by your school's deadline
How to apply
- 1Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov
- 2Do this every year — awards are recalculated annually
- 3Your school's financial aid office will notify you of your award
- 4No separate Pell Grant application — it flows automatically from FAFSA
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Apply at the official source
Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with the granting organization before applying.
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