Federal Pell Grant Basics

learn how to apply and what makes you qualify


The Pell Grant is free federal money for college—no repayment needed.

It is the most widely offered grant program offered by the U.S. government. Eligibility is based on factors like your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), household size, federal poverty guidelines, and Student Aid Index (SAI). Typically, eligibility is the same regardless of the college you attend. 

Apply by submitting the FAFSA each year you plan to attend school.

Go to studentaid.gov/fafsa to start your application. If you qualify, Millersville will be notified when we receive your application, and you’ll be offered an award based on anticipated full-time enrollment.

💡 The Pell Grant adjusts per half credit of enrollment. So if you were offered a full-time award but are taking less than full-time credits, your grant will pay at a lesser amount for that semester.