Grants

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grants are awarded to low income undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Eligibility is determined based on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results and enrollment status each semester. Students with a higher Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA may not qualify when enrolled less than full time.

To receive a Pell Grant, students must do the following:

  • Complete a FAFSA each year and be awarded a grant by the US Department of Education
  • Enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate, pursuing a first bachelor's degree
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant
  • Remain otherwise eligible to receive federal student aid

The Pell Grant has a lifetime limit equivalent to 12 full-time semesters. Students who exceed the 12 semester limit will no longer be able to receive Pell Grant funds. Students may only receive a Pell Grant from one school during each term. Receiving a Pell Grant from two schools during the same semester may result in a delay of future aid and a repayment of disbursed aid.

Students may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant for up to three full-time semesters per year, if enrolled at least half-time in the third term. For example, if a student receives Pell Grant funding based on full-time enrollment in both the fall and spring semesters, the student must begin attendance at least half-time in the summer to receive a Pell Grant in the summer term. If the student drops a course during drop/add and becomes enrolled less-than-half-time, the summer Pell Grant may need to be repaid.