Undergraduate Catalog

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grant–Specific Considerations (2025–2026)

  • Disbursement and Enrollment Status: Pell Grant disbursements are based on enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, less than half-time) and term length. Students enrolled less than full-time may receive a reduced award proportional to their enrollment.

  • Withdrawal, Drops, or Mid-Term Changes: Students who withdraw, drop courses, or otherwise change enrollment mid-term may be subject to federal Return of Title IV (R2T4) regulations. This may require repayment of a portion of the Pell Grant received.

  • Eligibility Requirements: Pell Grant eligibility requires students to:

    • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

    • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA

    • Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program

    • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

  • Maximum Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility: Students are limited to the equivalent of six years (600%) of Pell Grant funding. This includes all periods of enrollment at any institution.

  • Application Requirement: Students must submit a current FAFSA each year to be considered for Pell Grant funds. Changes in enrollment status or academic level (e.g., undergraduate to graduate) may require an updated FAFSA.

  • Coordination with Other Aid: Pell Grants are counted in the calculation of financial need. Receiving other federal, state, or institutional aid may impact the Pell Grant award to prevent overawards.

  • Use of Funds: Pell Grant funds are applied first to tuition, mandatory fees, and standard room and board charges. Any remaining credit is refunded to the student according to federal regulations.