Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395/year
You may be eligible for federal grant money that doesn't require repayment if you meet basic requirements.
- For undergraduate students
- Based on financial need
- No repayment required
College Doesn't Have to Break the Bank
You may be eligible for grants and financial aid that help reduce costs. Explore your options and get started in minutes.
Grant programs may provide up to
$7,395*per year to those who qualify
32%
of US undergrads receive federal grants.
You might too.
You might too.
Here's What You May Qualify For
Financial aid isn't one thing. It's four, and most students end up with a mix. Here's how each type works.
University Grants & Scholarships
Varies by school
Each university offers its own grants to help students afford tuition. You may be eligible based on need, merit, or both.
- Offered directly by schools
- Often combined with Pell
- No repayment required
State Financial Aid
Varies by state
Many states offer additional grants for students attending school in-state. You may be eligible depending on your location.
- State-specific
- Additional to federal aid
- Some require FAFSA
Federal Work-Study & Loans
Various amounts
If grants don't cover full costs, you may be eligible for work-study or federal loans. These may require repayment depending on loan type.
- Through FAFSA
- Loans require repayment
- Work-study earns while studying
How To Get Aid
Three steps, and the first one is the one that matters most.
1
Complete the FAFSA
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Takes ~20 minutes. This determines your eligibility for all federal aid.
Go to FAFSA.gov2
Submit to Your Schools
Add your target schools to your FAFSA application. Each school receives your info and calculates what you may be eligible for.
(Most schools have priority deadlines—check yours)
3
Review Your Aid Offer
Schools send you an aid offer letter showing grants, scholarships, and loans you may receive. Compare offers and choose.
How to read an aid letterCommon Questions About Financial Aid
The things students actually ask us, answered plainly.
Federal and institutional grants do NOT require repayment—that's what makes them different from loans. Pell Grants, for example, are federal grants that do not require repayment. Loans, however, do require repayment plus interest.
Pell Grants are primarily awarded based on financial need rather than your high school grades. However, you must maintain a minimum GPA and progress toward your degree to keep receiving aid—a requirement known as Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Each school sets its own SAP standards, so check with your school for specifics.
Partner Universities Offering Financial Aid
*We work with these schools. This is not an endorsement. We receive compensation from partner institutions.
Recommended Blog Posts
Explore our blog for tips on choosing a university, scholarships, and inspiring student experiences.
•17 min read
What To Verify Before Choosing a Graduate Program
What to verify before choosing a graduate program: total cost with lost income, real funding, accreditation, and placement claims worth checking.
•16 min read
How To Read a Financial Aid Letter
Learn how to read a financial aid letter, separate grants from loans, calculate your net price, and compare college aid offers on an equal basis.
•13 min read
What To Review Before Applying for Future Financial Aid
Learn what to review before applying for future financial aid, from tax records and FAFSA details to deadlines, scholarships, and school-specific requirements.
Ready to Find Your Financial Aid?
You may be eligible for grants and aid you don't pay back. Start with FAFSA and see what schools can offer you.