How Pell eligibility works in 2026-27
The Pell Grant is free money for college from the federal government; it does not have to be repaid. For 2026-27 the maximum award is $7,395 and the minimum is $740.
Under the current FAFSA, some students qualify automatically based on income compared with the federal poverty guideline:
| Student | Maximum Pell if income is at or below | At least minimum Pell if at or below |
|---|---|---|
| Dependent, parents not a single parent | 175% | 275% |
| Dependent, single parent | 225% | 325% |
| Independent, single parent | 225% | 400% |
| Independent, a parent but not a single parent | 175% | 350% |
| Independent, not a parent | 175% | 275% |
Students whose parents (or who, if independent) are not required to file taxes get the maximum. Everyone else's award depends on their Student Aid Index, which the FAFSA calculates.
Sources: 2026-27 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide, 2026-27 Pell award amounts, 2024 HHS poverty guidelines.
File the FAFSA
The 2027-28 FAFSA opened on September 23, 2026. See our FAFSA guide.