How much is a Pell Grant?

For 2026–27, the maximum scheduled Pell Grant award is $7,395. Your actual amount depends on eligibility, enrollment intensity, attendance period, and applicable limits; the maximum is not a guaranteed payment.

What to know before you act

Eligible year-round students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled award. As of October 2026, the 2027–28 maximum has not yet been announced. Federal Student Aid’s 2026–27 award announcement confirms the current scheduled maximum.

Check the current maximum for your award year with Federal Student Aid and compare it with the school’s award notice. A part-time schedule or shorter period of attendance can produce a different payment from a full-year, full-time estimate. Summer eligibility and lifetime usage can also affect the total.

Ask the aid office to explain both the annual scheduled award and the amount assigned to each term. Use confirmed term amounts in your budget, and request a recalculation before changing credits so you understand the financial effect.

Your next steps

• Identify the award year and attendance period.
• Check enrollment assumptions on the offer.
• Ask why your term payment differs from the published maximum.

For the next step, use the fafsa preparation guide. Organize documents, contributor steps, award years, and follow-up tasks.