Pell Grant 2025: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning how to pay for college, you’ve probably heard of the Pell Grant, one of the most widely awarded types of federal financial aid for students with financial need. But what exactly is it, how do you qualify, and how much could you receive?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how the Pell Grant works, who can get it, how much money it offers in 2025, and how it can be used to help you graduate with less debt.

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant offered by the U.S. Department of Education that does not need to be repaid. It is designed to help students cover various educational expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, fees, and other school-related costs.

Eligibility is checked through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and students are automatically considered for the grant upon submitting their FAFSA.

How Much Is the Pell Grant Worth in 2025?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024–2025 school year is $7,395. If you qualify for the maximum amount for four years, you could receive up to $29,580 in federal aid toward your undergraduate degree.

Note: The Pell Grant amount can change each year based on federal budget decisions. Always check the Federal Student Aid website for the most up-to-date amounts.

Pell Grant Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Pell Grant in 2025, students must meet several requirements:

You must:

Be eligible for federal student aid
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Be enrolled in an undergraduate program (bachelor’s or associate degree)
Not have previously earned a bachelor’s or professional degree
File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

New in 2024–2025: FAFSA now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to calculate financial need. The new formula considers your family size, household income, and how those compare to the federal poverty level, making Pell Grants more accessible to low- and middle-income families.

Pell Grant Eligibility Can Change Year to Year

Your Pell Grant isn’t guaranteed to remain the same each year. You must reapply through the FAFSA annually, and your financial circumstances, family size, or enrollment status can affect the amount you receive or whether you qualify at all.

Learn more about renewing aid here: Renewing Your FAFSA Each Year

Notes from a Pell Grant Recipient

The combination of Pell Grants and scholarships helped me graduate without any student loans. There were times it felt impossible to pay for school, but financial aid made it doable. The Pell Grant was a huge part of that journey.

Cait Williams, Ohio University

How to Apply for a Pell Grant

You don’t need a separate application. Here’s how to apply:

Here’s how to apply:

Visit FAFSA.gov and complete the FAFSA.
Submit your financial and demographic information.
List the colleges you’re interested in attending.
Wait for your Student Aid Report (SAR), which will show your Pell Grant eligibility.

FAFSA is free to fill out. Even if you’re unsure about attending college this year, it’s worth completing to understand your options.

How Is the Pell Grant Distributed?

Once awarded, the Pell Grant is sent directly to your school. It’s typically applied as a credit toward your tuition and fees, and if any money is left over, your college may refund the remaining balance to help cover other educational costs like textbooks or housing.

If something looks off:

Contact your college’s financial aid office
Make sure your FAFSA was submitted correctly
Ask for a financial aid appeal if your circumstances changed (job loss, medical bills, etc.)

Pell Grant Lifetime Limit

You can receive Pell Grant funding for up to 12 full-time semesters, or the equivalent of six years.

Each year you receive the grant, it counts as a percentage toward your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). Once you reach 600%, you can no longer receive Pell Grants.

Example: If you’re a half-time student one year, that year might count as only 50% toward your total eligibility. Check your remaining eligibility here: LEU Tracker

Pell Grants vs. Scholarships

While the Pell Grant is a need-based grant, scholarships are usually merit-based or require an application and essay. You can combine both to maximize your aid.

Consider applying for:

Local scholarships from community groups
Essay scholarships
State based grants and aid
Easy to apply scholarships online

Use this scholarship search tool to find opportunities based on your major, location, or interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum Pell Grant amount for the 2024–2025 academic year?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024–2025 school year is $7,395. The actual amount you receive depends on your financial need, enrollment status, and the cost of attendance at your school.

Do I have to repay a Pell Grant after college?

No, Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. Unlike student loans, they are grants provided by the federal government to help students with financial need pay for their education.

How do I apply for a Pell Grant?

You don’t need a separate application. Just submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at studentaid.gov, and you’ll be automatically considered for the Pell Grant.

Can I receive the Pell Grant every year?

Yes, but you must reapply by submitting the FAFSA each year. Your eligibility may change based on your family’s income, size, and your academic enrollment status.

How is the Pell Grant paid out?

Pell Grant funds are usually sent directly to your college or university. The school applies the grant to your tuition and fees, and any remaining balance may be refunded to you for other school-related expenses.

Who is eligible for the Pell Grant?

You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, enrolled in an undergraduate degree program, and demonstrate financial need based on your FAFSA information. Graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants.