How to apply for a grant from the U.S. government
It’s really easy—just fill out your FAFSA each year. You’ll automatically be considered for federal grants.
Learn more about the grants below:
If you’re an undergraduate working toward your first degree and you need money to pay for your education, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.
To qualify for the Federal Pell Grant, you must:
- File your FAFSA each year (we recommend that you file by April 15)
- Be enrolled in at least 1 credit hour per semester (waitlisted classes don’t count)
- Have an EFC between 0 and 5,846 for the 2022-23 aid year
- Have an EFC between 0 and 6,656 for the 2023-24 aid year
- Meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
You can receive the Federal Pell Grant for up to six years (12 scheduled semester awards). If you have a current FAFSA on file each year, you’ll automatically be considered.
How much does the Federal Pell Grant program award?
For the 2022-2023 academic year, Federal Pell Grants range
from $672-$6495. For the 2023-2024 academic year, Federal Pell Grants range from $767 to $7395. The amount you're awarded will depend on your Expected
Family Contribution (EFC) (calculated based on your FAFSA) and the number of hours in which you're enrolled.
If you receive a Federal Pell Grant, filed your FAFSA by April 15, and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0, you’ll automatically be considered for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
How much does the Federal SEOG award?
Federal SEOG amounts vary according to your need. They also vary from year to year.
What’s an Expected Family Contribution (and why does it matter)?
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the number used to determine whether you’re eligible for certain types of aid, and if so, how much you can be awarded. Your EFC is calculated based on the financial information you provide on your FAFSA. (Your EFC doesn’t tell you what you’ll pay for your education, though. In many cases, families contribute more than the EFC to cover all expenses.)
