Pell Grants

Summary

Overview of Pell Grants, which are one of the forms of federal financial aid

Overview

A Federal Pell Grant is a grant for undergraduates from the government that does not have to be repaid. Your first step in applying for a Pell Grant is completing a FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The specific amount you’re awarded is based on a number of factors, including cost of attendance, enrollment status, and financial need. You must be enrolled in an eligible academic program and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.  

If you’ve already earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree, you won’t be eligible to receive Pell or state grants, but you may be eligible to receive Direct Loans or Federal Work-Study funds.

Financial Aid for Part-Time Students

In order to receive your full Pell Grant award, you will need to be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester. In most cases, you will be able to receive a reduced amount if you attend part-time: 75 percent for ¾ time, 50 percent for half-time, and 25 percent for less than half-time. Students with a high EFC may not be eligible for as much Pell Grant money.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility 

The amount of federal Pell Grant funds you may receive over your lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years, which is equivalent to 12 full-time semesters. If you’re concerned about exceeding this timeframe, you should contact our Financial Aid Office directly by emailing financialaidoffice@abtech.edu.

Pell Grants for Summer

Please contact our Financial Aid Office directly to see if you may be eligible for Pell Grant funds in the summer.