Students may receive Pell Grants for an online college program if the program is accredited by an external accrediting body recognized by the United States government. This can be a bit confusing, because some online programs may be "accredited" by an agency not recognized by the US Department of Education. Students considering an online program should check to see if their program is listed in the US Department of Education's official Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, available online at ope.ed.gov. If the program or institution is on this list, then students are eligible to receive Pell Grants provided they meet financial need and citizenship requirements.
All federal financial aid is applied for via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at fafsa.ed.gov. Aid, including Pell Grants, is awarded based on the student's financial need as calculated on the FAFSA. Students with a very low Expected Family Contribution (EFC) may be awarded Pell Grants and/or a combination of other grants, including Academic Competitiveness grants, National SMART grants or Federal Supplemental Opportunity Educational Grants. The federal deadline for FAFSA submission for the upcoming academic year is midnight Central Daylight Time on June 30th, though individual colleges may have an earlier submission deadline.
The amount of grant aid awarded to a student depends on his level of financial need. As of 2010, Pell Grants may be awarded in amounts up to $5,550 per year; however, maximum grant levels change each academic year. Students who have extreme financial need may be awarded Federal Supplemental Opportunity Educational Grants, which can cover up to $4,000 per academic year or Academic Competitiveness Grants, which can cover up to $1,300 per academic year as of the 2010-2011 academic year.