Federal Pell Grants: amount and determinations; applications
20 U.S.C. § 1070a
in effect(a) Purpose; definitions(1) PurposeThe purpose of this subpart is to provide a Federal Pell Grant to low-income students. (2) DefinitionsIn this section—(A) the term “adjusted gross income” means—(i) in the case of a dependent student, for the second tax year preceding the academic year—(I) the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 62 of title 26) of the student’s parents; plus (II) for Federal Pell Grant determinations made for academic years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, the foreign income (as described in section 1087vv(b)(5) of this title) of the student’s parents; and (ii) in the case of an independent student, for the second tax year preceding the academic year—(I) the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 62 of title 26) of the student (and the student’s spouse, if applicable); plus (II) for Federal Pell Grant determinations made for academic years beginning on or after July 1, 2026, the foreign income (as described in section 1087vv(b)(5) of this title) of the student (and the student’s spouse, if applicable); (B) the term “family size” has the meaning given the term in section 1087vv(k) of this title; (C) the term “poverty line” means the poverty line (as determined under the poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services under the authority of section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to the student’s family size and applicable to the second tax year preceding the academic year; (D) the term “single parent” means—(i) a parent of a dependent student who was a head of household (as defined in section 2(b) of title 26) or a surviving spouse (as defined in section 2(a) of title 26) or was an eligible individual for purposes of the credit under section 32 of such title, in the second tax year preceding the academic year; or (ii) an independent student who is a parent and was a head of household (as defined in section 2(b) of title 26) or a surviving spouse (as defined in section 2(a) of title 26) or was an eligible individual for purposes of the credit under section 32 of such title, in the second tax year preceding the academic year; (E) the term “total maximum Federal Pell Grant” means the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award per student for any academic year described under subsection (b)(5); and (F) the term “minimum Federal Pell Grant” means the minimum amount of a Federal Pell Grant that shall be awarded to a student for any academic year in which that student is attending full time, which shall be equal to 10 percent of the total maximum Federal Pell Grant for such academic year.
(b) Amount and distribution of grants(1) Determination of amount of a Federal Pell GrantSubject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the amount of a Federal Pell Grant for a student shall be determined in accordance with the following:(A) A student shall be eligible for a total maximum Federal Pell Grant for an academic year in which the student is enrolled in an eligible program full time—(i) if the student (and the student’s spouse, if applicable), or, in the case of a dependent student, the dependent student’s parents (or single parent), is not required to file a Federal income tax return in the second year preceding the academic year; (ii) if the student or, in the case of a dependent student, the dependent student’s parent, is a single parent, and the adjusted gross income is greater than zero and equal to or less than 225 percent of the poverty line; or (iii) if the student or, in the case of a dependent student, the dependent student’s parent, is not a single parent, and the adjusted gross income is greater than zero and equal to or less than 175 percent of the poverty line. (B) A student who is not eligible for a total maximum Federal Pell Grant under subparagraph (A) for an academic year, shall be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant for an academic year in which the student is enrolled in an eligible program full time if such student’s student aid index in such award year is less than the total maximum Federal Pell Grant for that award year. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant for a student eligible under this subparagraph shall be—(i) the total maximum Federal Pell Grant as calculated under paragraph (5)(A) for that year, less (ii) an amount equal to the amount determined to be the student aid index with respect to that student for that year, except that a student aid index of less than zero shall be considered to be zero for the purposes of this clause, rounded to the nearest $5, except that a student eligible for less than the minimum Federal Pell Grant as defined in section (a)(2)(F) 11 So in original. Probably should be “subsection (a)(2)(F)”. shall not be eligible for an award. (C) A student who is not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be eligible for the minimum Federal Pell Grant for an academic year in which the student is enrolled in an eligible program full time—(i) in the case of a dependent student—(I) if the student’s parent is a single parent, and the adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 325 percent of the poverty line; or (II) if the student’s parent is not a single parent, and the adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 275 percent of the poverty line; or (ii) in the case of an independent student—(I) if the student is a single parent, and the adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 400 percent of the poverty line; (II) if the student is a parent and is not a single parent, and the adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 350 percent of the poverty line; or (III) if the student is not a parent, and the adjusted gross income is equal to or less than 275 percent of the poverty line. (D) For each academic year beginning before July 1, 2026, a student eligible for the total maximum Federal Pell Grant under subparagraph (A) who has (or whose spouse or parent, as applicable based on whose information is used under such subparagraph, has) foreign income that would, if added to adjusted gross income, result in the student no longer being eligible for such total maximum Federal Pell Grant, shall not be provided a Federal Pell Grant until the student aid administrator evaluates the student’s FAFSA and makes a determination regarding whether it is appropriate to make an adjustment under section 1087tt(b)(1)(B)(v) of this title, as in effect for such academic year, to account for such foreign income when determining the student’s eligibility for such total maximum Federal Pell Grant. (E) With respect to a student who is not eligible for the total maximum Federal Pell Grant under subparagraph (A) or a minimum Federal Pell Grant under subparagraph (C), the Secretary shall subtract from the student or parents’ adjusted gross income, as applicable based on whose income is used for the Federal Pell Grant calculation, the sum of the following for the individual whose income is so used, and consider such difference the adjusted gross income for purposes of determining the student’s eligibility for such Federal Pell Grant award under such subparagraph:(i) If the applicant, or, if applicable, the parents or spouse of the applicant, elects to report receiving college grant and scholarship aid included in gross income on a Federal tax return described in section 1087vv(e)(2) of this title, the amount of such aid. (ii) Income earned from work under part C of this subchapter. (2) Less than full-time enrollmentIn any case where a student is enrolled in an eligible program of an institution of higher education on less than a full-time basis (including a student who attends an institution of higher education on less than a half-time basis) during any academic year, the amount of the Federal Pell Grant to which that student is entitled shall be reduced in direct proportion to the degree to which that student is not so enrolled on a full-time basis, rounded to the nearest whole percentage point, as provided in a schedule of reductions published by the Secretary computed in accordance with this subpart. Such schedule of reductions shall be published in the Federal Register in accordance with section 1089 of this title. Such reduced Federal Pell Grant for a student enrolled on a less than full-time basis shall also apply proportionally to students who are otherwise eligible to receive the minimum Federal Pell Grant, if enrolled full-time. (3) Award may not exceed cost of attendanceNo Federal Pell Grant under this subpart shall exceed the cost of attendance (as defined in section 1087ll of this title) at the institution at which that student is in attendance. If, with respect to any student, it is determined that the amount of a Federal Pell Grant for that student exceeds the cost of attendance for that year, the amount of the Federal Pell Grant shall be reduced until the Federal Pell Grant does not exceed the cost of attendance at such institution. (4) Study abroadNotwithstanding any other provision of this subpart, the Secretary shall allow the amount of the Federal Pell Grant to be exceeded for students participating in a program of study abroad approved for credit by the institution at which the student is enrolled when the reasonable costs of such program are greater than the cost of attendance at the student’s home institution, except that the amount of such Federal Pell Grant in any fiscal year shall not exceed the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant for which a student is eligible under paragraph (1) or (2) during such award year. If the preceding sentence applies, the financial aid administrator at the home institution may use the cost of the study abroad program, rather than the home institution’s cost, to determine the cost of attendance of the student. (5) Total maximum Federal Pell Grant(A) In generalFor award year 2024–2025, and each subsequent award year, the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award per student shall be equal to the sum of—(i) $1,060; and (ii) the amount specified as the maximum Federal Pell Grant in the last enacted appropriation Act applicable to that award year. (B) RoundingThe total maximum Federal Pell Grant for any award year shall be rounded to the nearest $5. (6) Funds by fiscal year(A) In generalTo carry out this section—(i) there are authorized to be appropriated and are appropriated (in addition to any other amounts appropriated to carry out this section and out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated) such sums as are necessary to carry out paragraph (5)(A)(i) for fiscal year 2024 and each subsequent fiscal year; and (ii) such sums as may be necessary are authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraph (5)(A)(ii) for each of the fiscal years 2024 through 2034. (B) Availability of fundsThe amounts made available by subparagraph (A) for any fiscal year shall be available beginning on October 1 of that fiscal year, and shall remain available through September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year. (7) Appropriation(A) In generalIn addition to any funds appropriated under paragraph (6) and any funds made available for this section under any appropriations Act, there are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated (out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated) to carry out this section—(i) $1,170,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; (ii) $3,170,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; (iii) $12,670,000,000 for fiscal year 2026; and (iv) $1,236,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and each succeeding fiscal year. (B) No effect on previous appropriationsThe amendments made to this section by the FAFSA Simplification Act shall not—(i) increase or decrease the amounts that have been appropriated or are available to carry out this section for fiscal year 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024 as of the day before the effective date of such Act; or (ii) extend the period of availability for obligation that applied to any such amount, as of the day before such effective date. (C) Availability of fundsThe amounts made available by this paragraph for any fiscal year shall be available beginning on October 1 of that fiscal year, and shall remain available through September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year. (8) Method of distribution(A) In generalFor each fiscal year through fiscal year 2034, the Secretary shall pay to each eligible institution such sums as may be necessary to pay each eligible student for each academic year during which that student is in attendance at an institution of higher education as an undergraduate, a Federal Pell Grant in the amount for which that student is eligible. (B) Alternative disbursementNothing in this section shall be interpreted to prohibit the Secretary from paying directly to students, in advance of the beginning of the academic term, an amount for which they are eligible, in the cases where an eligible institution does not participate in the disbursement system under subparagraph (A). (9) Additional payment periods in same award year(A) Effective in the 2017–2018 award year and thereafter, the Secretary shall award an eligible student not more than one and one-half Federal Pell Grants during a single award year to permit such student to work toward completion of an eligible program if, during that single award year, the student has received a Federal Pell Grant for an award year and is enrolled in an eligible program for one or more additional payment periods during the same award year that are not otherwise fully covered by the student’s Federal Pell Grant. (B) In the case of a student receiving more than one Federal Pell Grant in a single award year under subparagraph (A), the total amount of Federal Pell Grants awarded to such student for the award year may exceed the total maximum Federal Pell Grant available for an award year. (C) Any period of study covered by a Federal Pell Grant awarded under subparagraph (A) shall be included in determining a student’s duration limit under subsection (d)(5). (D) In any case where an eligible student is receiving a Federal Pell Grant for a payment period that spans 2 award years, the Secretary shall allow the eligible institution in which the student is enrolled to determine the award year to which the additional period shall be assigned, as it determines is most beneficial to students.
(c) Special rule(1) In generalA student described in paragraph (2) shall be eligible for the total maximum Federal Pell Grant. (2) ApplicabilityParagraph (1) shall apply to any dependent or independent student—(A) whose parent or guardian was—(i) an individual who, on or after September 11, 2001, died in the line of duty while serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces; or (ii) actively serving as a public safety officer and died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer; and (B) who is less than 33 years of age. (3) InformationNotwithstanding any other provision of law—(A) the Secretary shall establish the necessary data-sharing agreements with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, as applicable, to provide the information necessary to determine which students meet the requirements of paragraph (2)(A)(i); and (B) the financial aid administrator shall verify with the student that the student is eligible for the adjustment and notify the Secretary of the adjustment of the student’s eligibility. (4) Treatment of Pell amountNotwithstanding section 1212 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10302), in the case of a student who receives an increased Federal Pell Grant amount under this section, the total amount of such Federal Pell Grant, including the increase under this subsection, shall not be considered in calculating that student’s educational assistance benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program under subpart 2 of part L of title I of such Act. (5) Prevention of double benefitsNo eligible student described in paragraph (2) may concurrently receive a grant under both this subsection and subsection (b). (6) Terms and conditionsThe Secretary shall award grants under this subsection in the same manner and with the same terms and conditions, including the length of the period of eligibility, as the Secretary awards Federal Pell Grants under subsection (b), except that—(A) the award rules and determination of need applicable to the calculation of Federal Pell Grants under subsection (b)(1) shall not apply to grants made under this subsection; and (B) the maximum period determined under subsection (d)(5) shall be determined by including all grants made under this section received by the eligible student and all grants so received under subpart 10 before the effective date of this subsection. (7) Definition of public safety officerFor purposes of this subsection, the term “public safety officer” means—(A) a public safety officer, as defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10284); or (B) a fire police officer, defined as an individual who—(i) is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency; (ii) is not a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, a chaplain, or a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew; and (iii) provides scene security or directs traffic—(I) in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency; or (II) at a planned special event.
(d) Period of eligibility for grants(1) In generalThe period during which a student may receive Federal Pell Grants shall be the period required for the completion of the first undergraduate baccalaureate course of study being pursued by that student at the institution at which the student is in attendance, except that any period during which the student is enrolled in a noncredit or remedial course of study, as described in paragraph (2), shall not be counted for the purpose of this paragraph. (2) Noncredit or remedial courses; study abroadNothing in this section shall exclude from eligibility courses of study which are noncredit or remedial in nature (including courses in English language instruction) which are determined by the institution to be necessary to help the student be prepared for the pursuit of a first undergraduate baccalaureate degree or certificate or, in the case of courses in English language instruction, to be necessary to enable the student to use already existing knowledge, training, or skills. Nothing in this section shall exclude from eligibility programs of study abroad that are approved for credit by the home institution at which the student is enrolled. (3) No concurrent paymentsNo student is entitled to receive Pell Grant payments concurrently from more than one institution or from both the Secretary and an institution. (4) Postbaccalaureate programNotwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may allow, on a case-by-case basis, a student to receive a Federal Pell Grant if the student—(A) is carrying at least one-half the normal full-time work load for the course of study the student is pursuing, as determined by the institution of higher education; and (B) is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a postbaccalaureate program that does not lead to a graduate degree, and in courses required by a State in order for the student to receive a professional certification or licensing credential that is required for employment as a teacher in an elementary school or secondary school in that State, except that this paragraph shall not apply to a student who is enrolled in an institution of higher education that offers a baccalaureate degree in education. (5) Maximum period(A) In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), the period during which a student may receive Federal Pell Grants shall not exceed 12 semesters, or the equivalent of 12 semesters, as determined by the Secretary by regulation. Such regulations shall provide, with respect to a student who received a Federal Pell Grant for a term but was enrolled at a fraction of full time, that only that same fraction of such semester or equivalent shall count towards such duration limits. (B) Exception(i) In generalAny Federal Pell Grant that a student received during a period described in subclause (I) or (II) of clause (ii) shall not count towards the student’s duration limits under this paragraph. (ii) Applicable periodsClause (i) shall apply with respect to any Federal Pell Grant awarded to a student to enroll in an eligible program at an institution—(I) during a period of a student’s attendance at an institution—(aa) at which the student was unable to complete a course of study due to the closing of the institution; or (bb) for which the student was falsely certified as eligible for Federal aid under this subchapter; or (II) during a period—(aa) for which the student received a loan under this subchapter; and (bb) for which the loan described in item (aa) is discharged under—(AA) section 1087(c)(1) of this title or section 1087dd(g)(1) of this title; (BB) section 1082(a)(6) of this title; or (CC) section 1087e(h) of this title due to the student’s successful assertion of a defense to repayment of the loan, including defenses provided to any applicable groups of students. (6) ExclusionBeginning on July 1, 2026, and notwithstanding this subsection or subsection (b), a student shall not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under subsection (b) during any period for which the student receives grant aid from non-Federal sources, including States, institutions of higher education, or private sources, in an amount that equals or exceeds the student’s cost of attendance for such period.
(e) Applications for grants(1) DeadlinesThe Secretary shall from time to time set dates by which students shall file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid under section 1090 of this title. (2) ApplicationEach student desiring a Federal Pell Grant for any year shall file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid containing the information necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the functions and responsibilities of this subpart.
(f) Distribution of grants to studentsPayments under this section shall be made in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary for such purpose, in such manner as will best accomplish the purpose of this section. Any disbursement allowed to be made by crediting the student’s account shall be limited to tuition and fees, and food and housing if that food and housing is institutionally owned or operated. The student may elect to have the institution provide other such goods and services by crediting the student’s account.
(g) Insufficient appropriationsIf, for any fiscal year, the funds appropriated for payments under this subpart are insufficient to satisfy fully all entitlements, as calculated under subsections (b) and (c) (but at the maximum grant level specified in such appropriation), the Secretary shall promptly transmit a notice of such insufficiency to each House of the Congress, and identify in such notice the additional amount that would be required to be appropriated to satisfy fully all entitlements (as so calculated at such maximum grant level).
(h) Use of excess funds(1) 15 percent or lessIf, at the end of a fiscal year, the funds available for making payments under this subpart exceed the amount necessary to make the payments required under this subpart to eligible students by 15 percent or less, then all of the excess funds shall remain available for making payments under this subpart during the next succeeding fiscal year. (2) More than 15 percentIf, at the end of a fiscal year, the funds available for making payments under this subpart exceed the amount necessary to make the payments required under this subpart to eligible students by more than 15 percent, then all of such funds shall remain available for making such payments but payments may be made under this paragraph only with respect to entitlements for that fiscal year.
(i) Treatment of institutions and students under other lawsAny institution of higher education which enters into an agreement with the Secretary to disburse to students attending that institution the amounts those students are eligible to receive under this subpart shall not be deemed, by virtue of such agreement, a contractor maintaining a system of records to accomplish a function of the Secretary. Recipients of Pell Grants shall not be considered to be individual grantees for purposes of chapter 81 of title 41.
(j) Institutional ineligibility based on default rates(1) In generalNo institution of higher education shall be an eligible institution for purposes of this subpart if such institution of higher education is ineligible to participate in a loan program under part B or D as a result of a final default rate determination made by the Secretary under part B or D after the final publication of cohort default rates for fiscal year 1996 or a succeeding fiscal year. (2) Sanctions subject to appeal opportunityNo institution may be subject to the terms of this subsection unless the institution has had the opportunity to appeal the institution’s default rate determination under regulations issued by the Secretary for the loan program authorized under part B or D, as applicable. This subsection shall not apply to an institution that was not participating in the loan program authorized under part B or D on October 7, 1998, unless the institution subsequently participates in the loan programs.
Source: OLRC USLMURL: https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/95/xml_usc20@119-95.zipFetched: 6/4/2026