Grants for college students
Use Federal Student Aid’s official information to check Pell Grants and understand your school’s aid offer.
GrantCalendar’s deadline directory focuses on small businesses and nonprofits. This guide covers personal assistance. We do not award money or take applications.
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Pell Grant eligibility
Pell Grants typically support undergraduates with exceptional financial need. They generally do not need repayment, although exceptions apply. Submit the FAFSA for each school year so your school can determine eligibility and your award. Federal Student Aid: Pell Grants.
How much is a Pell Grant?
For the 2026–27 award year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395. Your school determines your amount from your FAFSA information; the maximum is not a promised award. Some students qualify for additional year-round Pell funding. Federal Student Aid: Pell Grants.
Pell Grant lifetime limit
Pell eligibility is limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time terms, about six years. Your StudentAid.gov account’s My Grants section shows how much you have already used. Federal Student Aid: FAFSA Submission Summary.
Apply through FAFSA and review your aid offer
Your FAFSA Submission Summary gives estimates, not a final aid offer. Review the offer from each school to see which funding is grants, work-study or loans. Federal Student Aid: FAFSA Submission Summary.
Avoid grant scams
An unsolicited grant offer or a demand to pay an upfront fee is a scam warning. Do not send gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency to collect a supposed government grant. FTC: government grant scams.