Eligibility Criteria
Pell Grant Eligibility
To receive a federal Pell Grant, you must
- complete the FAFSA;
- have an SAI that is less than twice the maximum Pell Grant;
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
- be enrolled in a first-time bachelor’s degree program;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress; and
- complete any verification requirements, if selected.
- Changes to your eligibility after the verification process or a review of changed FAFSA data may result in changes to the amount of offered Pell Grant.
There are different ways to qualify for a federal Pell Grant. Your Pell Grant eligibility may be determined by your SAI (calculated Pell Grant) or by your family's Adjusted Gross Income, Family Size, and the poverty level in your state. Based on these factors, you may automatically qualify for the maximum amount of Pell Grant, the minimum amount of Pell Grant, or a calculated amount in between.
Since maximum and minimum Pell Grant amounts are tied to AGI, family size, and the poverty levels, it is possible that you may be offered a Pell Grant without qualifying for any other need-based aid.
Pell Grant eligibility must be determined before the end of the term in which you are enrolled. We cannot establish Pell Grant eligibility outside of the semester, including if you are attending a study abroad at another institution. The term dates used are established by Temple University's academic calendar, not the institution you are visiting.
General Pell Grant Information
- Congress determines the maximum Pell Grant—the Department of Education uses the FAFSA to determine who is eligible to receive the grant.
- A Pell Grant alone will not cover tuition and fees.
- Pell-eligible students who enroll in a summer semester may qualify for additional summer Pell Grant funding.
- Amounts vary year-to-year based on the FAFSA data and federal grant funding.
- Students of a parent or legal guardian who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 may qualify for additional Pell Grant.