Pell & Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

The Pell grant is awarded on the basis of need and the cost of the individual institution. Students apply by completing the FAFSA. The federal government limits the lifetime eligibility to receive Pell grant funding to the equivalent of six award years (or 600%). Students may check their Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website. 

Students who are not eligible for a federal Pell Grant based on need may still receive the award if they meet one of the following criteria: 

• The child of a parent or guardian who died in the line of duty while (a) serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001; or (b) actively serving as and performing the duties of a public safety officer; and
• Less than 33 years old as of the January 1 prior to the award year for which the applicant is applying (e.g., for the 2024-25 award year, a student must be less than 33 years old as of January 1, 2024, to be eligible).

To indicate if you are eligible, there is a question on the FAFSA asking for students to indicate if their parent lost their life either while on duty in the military after September 11, 2001, or while performing duties as a public safety officer. If checked yes, you will be asked for documentation to confirm that you are eligible for a maximum federal Pell Grant award. If you believe you are eligible and have not been awarded the federal Pell Grant should speak to their Financial Aid Counselor. 

When enrolled less than full-time (12 credits), the federal Pell Grant is pro-rated based on their Enrollment Intensity (the number of credits in which they are enrolled) in the term. For this reason, award amounts may very from one term to the next.