Pell Grants recipients must show financial need, be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, have a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate the skill to exceed in their elected program.
Eligible applicants are determined by a specific criterion that is dictated by the U.S. Department of Education, which evaluates a student's income and that of their family, including the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
The overall cost or tuition of program/school and the student's anticipated enrollments (either full-time or part-time) are also factors when determining the eligibility.
The specific amount of the grant may change according to the year it is administered and the funding or monetary participation of the specific program.
Students are eligible to receive a maximum of two Pell Grants in one year; the grant may be limited to 18 semesters or be valid for a specific duration of time.