Federal Pell Grant

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Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are usually only awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant.

Pell funding amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2024–25 award year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025).

The amount you get, though, will depend on:

  • Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
  • The cost of attendance (determined by your school for your specific program)
  • Your status as a full-time or part-time student
  • Your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less
 

Federal Pell Grant Eligibility

How to Apply for the Federal Pell Grant

Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for the Federal Pell Grant.

 

 

Who is Eligible for Federal Pell Grant

In order to qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, students must:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
  • Be a degree-seeking student or enrolled in an eligible certificate program.
  • Have a Pell-eligible Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the FAFSA. 
  • Have not previously received a bachelor's degree or higher.
  • Not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant or loan program.
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. 

 

How Long You Can Receive the Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant funding is limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time terms (lifetime eligibility), starting from the first time you received Federal Pell Grant funding. If you have already received the equivalent of or exceeded the 12 full-time term limit, you will no longer be able to receive Pell Grant funds. Pell Grant payments can be viewed on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).


There are no appeals or exceptions for the life-time eligibility Pell Grant rule.

 

How to Maintain the Federal Pell Grant

In general, you must maintain enrollment in an undergraduate course of study at a nonforeign school to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Additionally, you will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

Once you have earned a baccalaureate degree or your first professional degree or have used up all 12 terms of your eligibility, you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

 

Summer Pell Grants

Fall/Spring FULL-TIME Students: Summer Pell Grant Requirements
In the past, students who were full-time in the fall and spring were not eligible to receive Pell Grants in the summer. However, the great news is that with Year-round Pell Grants, you may be able to receive Pell to fund your summer courses! It is our hope, that this will help you graduate sooner and with less debt.

 

WANT YEAR-ROUND PELL FOR SUMMER? HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

  • Submit the FAFSA and not have any incomplete items on Financial Aid To-do List
  • Be actively pursuing a degree or certificate program at HCC. Students who are enrolled at HCC for the summer term only (not enrolled in Fall or Spring semesters), are not eligible to receive aid. 
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and be in good academic standing.
  • Be enrolled in 6 credit hours that count towards the degree plan for your eligible program


We strongly encourage you to enroll in classes while you await a decision for your summer aid eligibility.

Please know that funds are not guaranteed.

 

 

Fall/Spring PART-TIME Students: Summer Pell Grant Requirements

WANT SUMMER AID? HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO.

  • Submit the FAFSA and not have any incomplete items on Financial Aid To-do List.
  • Be actively pursuing a degree or certificate program at HCC. Students who are enrolled at HCC for the summer term only (not enrolled in Fall or Spring semesters), are not eligible to receive aid. 
  • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and be in good academic standing.


We strongly encourage you to enroll in classes while you await a decision for your summer aid eligibility. 

Please know that funds are not guaranteed.

 

Purchasing Books Using Summer Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office will send you an email once your aid is authorized to purchase books and supplies.

Learn more about buying books with financial aid.