The Pell Grant is a federal program that provides grants for college expenses to students with demonstrated financial need. Unlike federal student loans, Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.
Students with a family income up to $50,000 are eligible for Pell Grants. In addition, eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, and enrollment in a certificate or degree program at a college or university that participates in the Pell Grant program. Pell Grant recipients must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for the grants.
Students must be undergraduates to receive Pell Grants. In some cases, however, students completing a professional degree may be eligible for these grants.
Pell Grant recipients must not be convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs.
The Pell Grant program is named for its sponsor, the late U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island.