How Much Is a Pell Grant Per Semester?

Federal Pell Grants offer financial assistance for higher education that does not require repayment. These grants help students with demonstrated financial need cover educational expenses. Understanding how these grants are determined and disbursed can help students plan for college costs.

Factors Determining Your Pell Grant Award

The amount of a Federal Pell Grant a student receives is primarily influenced by several factors, including the student’s financial circumstances, the cost of attendance at their chosen institution, and their enrollment status. For the 2024-2025 award year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant is $7,395, with a minimum scheduled award of $740. The actual award is prorated based on a student’s individual situation.

A key determinant of the Pell Grant amount is the Student Aid Index (SAI), which replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-2025 award year. The SAI is an index number calculated from the financial information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A lower SAI generally indicates a greater financial need, potentially leading to a higher Pell Grant award.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) at a student’s college also plays a role in determining the grant amount. COA encompasses a school’s total estimated expenses for an academic year, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses. Financial aid, including the Pell Grant, cannot exceed a student’s COA.

A student’s enrollment intensity, which is the percentage of a full-time course load they are taking, directly affects the Pell Grant amount received. A student enrolled full-time typically receives 100% of their calculated annual award. If a student is enrolled less than full-time, their grant amount will be proportionally reduced. For students attending two semesters, the annual award is typically divided in half for each semester, assuming consistent enrollment intensity.

How Pell Grant Funds are Disbursed

Pell Grant funds are generally sent directly to the student’s college. The school then applies these funds to the student’s institutional charges, such as tuition, fees, and room and board. Any remaining balance after these charges are covered is then paid directly to the student.

The method by which students receive any remaining funds can vary by institution but commonly includes direct deposit or a physical check. Funds are usually disbursed once per semester or term. This typically occurs at the beginning of the academic period, after the student has officially begun attendance.

The exact disbursement schedule is determined by the school’s academic calendar and internal policies. Some students may be eligible for “Year-Round Pell,” which allows them to receive up to 150% of their scheduled annual Pell Grant award. This provision can enable eligible students to receive additional funds for a third academic period, such as a summer term, if they have already utilized 100% of their annual award during the fall and spring semesters.

Basic Eligibility and Application for a Pell Grant

To be considered for a Federal Pell Grant, students must meet eligibility criteria. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, defined as the difference between a school’s Cost of Attendance and the Student Aid Index. They must also be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, possess a valid Social Security number, and have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent.

Students must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at a participating higher education institution. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) according to their school’s standards is a continuing requirement to remain eligible for the grant. Furthermore, students cannot be in default on federal student loans or owe a refund on a federal grant.

The sole application for a Federal Pell Grant is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form collects financial and demographic information. The data provided on the FAFSA is used to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI) and determine eligibility for various federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant.

Submitting the FAFSA annually is essential to be considered for federal student aid each academic year. After the FAFSA is processed, students receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes their application information and includes their calculated SAI. This report is then sent to the colleges listed on the FAFSA, which use the information to construct a financial aid package for the student.