Federal Pell Grant
Free college money you never pay back
What it pays or provides
The Pell Grant is federal money for college that you never have to pay back. For the 2026-27 award year (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), the maximum award is $7,395 and the minimum award is $740. Your exact amount depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI) and how many credits you're enrolled in -- a full-time student gets more than a part-time student.
Who qualifies
You qualify based on financial need, measured by your Student Aid Index (SAI) after you file the FAFSA. If your SAI is $14,790 or more for 2026-27 -- twice the maximum Pell Grant amount -- you're not eligible, unless you qualify under the Special Rule for dependents of certain deceased servicemembers or Public Safety Officers. You also need to be an undergraduate who hasn't already earned a bachelor's degree.
How to apply
Apply by filing the FAFSA (or Oregon's ORSAA if you can't file the FAFSA) as soon as it opens each year. There's no separate Pell Grant application -- your college's financial aid office uses your FAFSA/ORSAA results to figure out your award and includes it in your financial aid offer.
Programs that combine with it
- Oregon Opportunity Grant — oregon's largest need-based college grant
Sources
- Official rule text “A Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students who meet eligibility requirements according to federal guidelines. The amount received is determined by your student aid index (SAI) number and your enrollment.” (checked July 6, 2026)
- Official rule text “the maximum Pell Grant award remains fixed at $7,395 ... the Pell Grant minimum award amount for 2026-27 is $740 ... July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.” (checked July 19, 2026)
- Official rule text “An applicant with an SAI equal to or greater than twice the maximum Pell Grant award amount for the award year are ineligible for a Pell Grant.” (checked July 19, 2026)