Federal Pell Grant

How The Federal Pell Grant Works

• Eligibility

  • Available to undergraduates pursuing their first undergraduate degree and not enrolled in a professional program.

  • Students with a prior bachelor's degree can not be considered.

• Grant Limits

  • Awards ranged from $200 up to $4,130 for the 2007-2008 year depending on the Expected Family Contribution calculated from the FAFSA.

  • The closer to zero the EFC, the larger the possible award.

• Required Credits

  • To receive the maximum award (100%) you must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester.

  • If enrolling in 9 to 11 credits hours per semester, you may receive 75% of the maximum award.

  • If enrolling in 6 to 8 credit hours per semester, you may receive 50% of the maximum award.

  • In some extremely limited instances, a minimum award may be made for students enrolled in less than six credits per term.

• Payment

  • Pell Grant is paid by the semester, one-half of the annual award for fall term and one-half for spring term.  If a student attends less than full-time both semesters or attends only one term, they may have Pell eligibility for the following summer term.

  • Pell Grant is credited to the student's account no sooner than the first day of the semester or as soon as the award is ready.

  • See "Disbursement" for more information about payment.