Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance based on financial need that does not need to be repaid. Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added.
For the 2023-24 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395, and the actual amount of an individual student's Pell Grant is based directly on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as stated on the Student Aid Report (SAR), which is the report that is sent to the student after the FAFSA is filed. Additionally, the Pell Grant will be prorated based on the student's enrollment status (full-time, 3/4 time, 1/2 time and less than 1/2 time).
New Federal Pell Grant Limits
Effective for 2012-13, you can only receive Federal Pell Grant funding for the equivalent of 12 full-time terms, starting from the first time you received Federal Pell Grant funding. If you have already received the equivalent of or exceeded the 12 full-time term limit, you will no longer be able to receive Pell Grant funds. You can calculate your Pell Grant lifetime eligibility used. You may also view your current Pell Grant payments and monitor your Pell Grant usage on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website.
The U.S. Department of Education is sending emails to students who are approaching or who have passed their Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility. There are no appeals or exceptions to the 12 full-time terms Pell Grant rule.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you must meet these requirements each academic year:
- Complete a FAFSA.
- Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Be a degree-seeking student (A.A., A.S., or bachelor's degree program) or enrolled in a financial assistance eligible certificate program.
- Have a Pell-eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA.
- Have not have previously received a bachelor's degree.
- Must not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant or loan program.
- Must be meeting Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) at Seminole State College.
The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will verify your eligibility based on the information submitted on your FAFSA.
For more information about the Federal Pell Grant, visit the Federal Student Aid website.