Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is partially determined by the number of credit hours in which the student is enrolled during the semester and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students enrolled less than full time may still receive a Pell Grant Award if the student's EFC allows for it.
| Levels of Enrollment |
Equivalent Credit Hours |
| Full Time |
12 or more Credit Hours |
| Three Quarter Time |
9 - 11 Credit Hours |
| Half Time |
6 - 8 Credit Hours |
| Less than Half Time* |
5 Credit Hours or Less |
Year-Round Pell
U.S. Department of Education allows for Pell Grant eligible students to receive up to 150% of their scheduled Federal Pell Grant award each year. Example: If you received a full Pell Grant amount in Fall and Spring, you may qualify for Pell Grant for Summer. This is known as Year-Round Pell.
Year-Round Pell Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Apply and complete Financial Aid File for award year
- Be Pell Grant eligible
- Be registered at least 6 credit hours
- Be meeting Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Have lifetime Pell Grant eligibility available