Do You Get a Pell Grant Every Semester?
Understand Pell Grant awards: how they're processed annually, disbursed per term, and the requirements to maintain your crucial college funding.
A Pell Grant is a federal financial aid program for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Provided by the U.S. government, this grant helps cover college expenses. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants do not require repayment.
Pell Grant Basics and Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements, including demonstrating financial need, determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must be undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. They must also be enrolled in an eligible program at a participating educational institution.
Eligibility also requires being a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Applicants must possess a valid Social Security number and have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.
The Annual Award Process
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for a Pell Grant. FAFSA information calculates the Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for determining eligibility and award amounts. The actual grant amount a student receives depends on their SAI, the cost of attendance at their chosen institution, and their enrollment status.
The maximum Pell Grant amount can change annually based on federal budget decisions. For instance, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award was $7,395 for the 2025–2026 award year. A federal regulation governing Pell Grant receipt is the Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) limit. Students can receive Pell Grant funds for a maximum of 12 semesters or the equivalent, which translates to 600% of the Pell Grant Scheduled Award. Once this 600% limit is reached, they are no longer eligible for further funding.
Receiving Your Pell Grant Disbursements
While Pell Grants are awarded annually based on FAFSA submissions, the actual distribution of funds by educational institutions occurs on a per-term basis. Students receive their grant money at the beginning of each semester, trimester, or quarter. Schools apply the Pell Grant funds directly to a student’s account to cover eligible educational expenses, including tuition, fees, and housing charges.
Any remaining balance after institutional charges are paid is disbursed directly to the student. This amount can be used for other educational costs, such as books, supplies, or living expenses. The disbursement schedule and method vary by institution, depending on the school’s academic calendar and financial aid policies.
Ongoing Requirements for Continued Eligibility
To maintain Pell Grant eligibility, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards set by their institution. These standards involve three components: maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA), successfully completing a certain percentage of attempted credits, and completing their program within a maximum timeframe. For instance, many institutions require undergraduates to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 67% of attempted credits.
Failure to meet these SAP requirements can result in the loss of federal financial aid eligibility. Students must also maintain an eligible enrollment status, which means being enrolled at least half-time. Pell Grants can be prorated for less than half-time enrollment.