How many pell grants can you get in a lifetime

You may hit your Pell Grant lifetime limit sooner — for instance, if you take summer classes. The amount you receive depends on your financial need , cost of attendance, full-time or part-time status and your plans to attend school for the full academic year or less. Pell Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The U. Department of Education distributes grant money directly to the schools, which is then disbursed to students who demonstrate financial need. The lifetime maximum is based on years, not dollars.

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Dual-degree major? You might hit the lifetime maximum faster than a single-major student. Switching majors? Will your new path take you beyond a 12 semester time frame? If so, you won't be eligible for a Pell Grant come that 13th semester. You must be a U. Once you receive a Pell Grant, you must maintain a certain academic standard established by your school. A student whose parent was killed in military duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as students with certain intellectual disabilities, may be eligible for special Pell Grant funding.

Pell Grants are generally not available for post-grad studies, with the exception of certain education degrees. About the Author. Do you still have a gap to fund your education? If so, check out these 6 featured lenders:. All Rights Reserved.

There are many forms of financial aid, but Pell Grants are among the most important for many students around the United States. You may want to know the Pell Grant amount you qualify for so you can determine how to pay for your education.

Most people who qualify for any Pell Grant amount will receive something between these two numbers based on their specific financial need. Your Pell Grant amount depends on :. The expected family contribution EFC is the amount that you or your family can pay for your education. This number is based on several factors, including income from the past few years on tax forms, untaxed income from other assets, other dependent children attending college that your family pays for, and if you are independent or have dependent children of your own.

The cost of attendance COA is the entire cost of attending a postsecondary institution for one year, which includes:. The Pell Grant amount you see listed on your financial aid award letter is based on your enrollment as a full-time student for one year at your school.