Contact your college or university financial aid office to find out if it is a participating institution in the Pell Grant program and to determine whether you are eligible. Only students seeking an undergraduate degree or certain post-baccalaureate degrees are eligible for a Pell Grant.
Gather your financial documents including your prior year's tax form and documentation of your assets such as your checking and savings account statements and any investments you have. If you are still a dependent of your parents, you will need their financial documentation as well.
Use the Department of Education's online school database to look up the school code for your college or university. You will need this code when you file for financial aid.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is available from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) website. The DOE will use the information that you provide about your finances to calculate your estimated family contribution (EFC), which will determine whether you qualify for a Pell Grant.
Wait for your financial aid office to notify you whether you will receive the grant. Your college will disburse the funds, either directly to you or by paying for your tuition outright.