Pell Grants are just one of many financial aid options for prospective undergraduate students seeking funding for degree programs.

What are Pell Grants? They are a cornerstone of federal financial aid, designed to help students with demonstrated financial need afford the cost of college. Unlike loans, Pell Grants typically do not require repayment, making them a vital resource for low-income students seeking higher education.

Can students apply for Pell Grants for grad school? Who is eligible? How much funding can recipients expect? This guide will break down everything future students need to know before applying.

What Are Pell Grants?

Pell Grants are a federal financial aid program aimed at making college more accessible for students facing financial challenges.^[1] Like some other kinds of financial aid and scholarships, Pell Grants are not repayable.

Unlike student loans, which almost always must be repaid, Pell Grants are designed to alleviate financial burden for recipients and allow them to focus on their education rather than debt.

Do Pell Grants Apply to Graduate Students?

Pell Grants, are not available for students pursuing graduate or professional degrees; Pell Grants are only awarded to undergraduate students.^[2]

Graduate and professional degree students may apply for other types of financial aid, including Graduate PLUS Loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to applying for graduate school financial aid—learn more in our guide exploring what to know about FAFSA.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for Pell Grants is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need, as calculated by the FAFSA, is the primary criterion for receiving this grant. Students qualify based on the information provided, including income, household size, and full-time or part-time enrollment.

It is important to remember that financial aid does not begin and end with Pell Grants—students have many other options. Even though graduate and professional degree students are not eligible for Pell Grants, prospective students seeking financial aid for advanced degrees should still complete the FAFSA to explore financial aid alternatives like:

• Institutional scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer direct scholarships to eligible students who complete the FAFSA.
• Work-study opportunities: Work-study opportunities provide part-time jobs for students who demonstrate financial need; these positions help students pay for educational expenses.^[4]

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount of a Pell Grant award varies depending on financial need and enrollment status.

• Awards range from $740 to $7,395 per academic year (or every two trimesters) for the 2025-2026, and 2026-2027 award year.^[5]
• Factors that impact award amount include level of financial need, enrollment intensity (i.e., full- or part-time), and previous lifetime awards.

This flexibility allows students to receive an amount proportional to their circumstances, helping them manage their college expenses more effectively.

Lifetime Eligibility

When applying for financial aid, it is important to note that Pell Grants have a lifetime usage limit:^[6]

• Students can receive a Pell Grant for a lifetime limit of 600%, which is the equivalent of 12 trimesters of full-time enrollment.
• Any terms where Pell Grant funds were used at a previous institution count toward this limit.

This cumulative rule is essential for students who transfer schools or take breaks from their education.

Title IV Funding Changes

Title IV financial aid under the Higher Education Act provides multiple funding programs for college students, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, TEACH Grants, and Federal Work Study.^[7] The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed on July 4, 2025, made changes to the Graduate PLUS Loan program:^[8],[9]

• Graduate PLUS Loans will not be issued after July 1, 2026.
• After July 1, 2026, new borrowers will only have two loan repayment plan options.
• Graduate and professional degree students must not exceed the new annual and lifetime loan caps after July 1, 2026.

Pell Grants will still be available for undergraduates. Students applying to graduate or professional degree programs should fill out their FAFSA as early as possible, explore scholarship options, learn how to apply for scholarships, and pursue alternative funding options. Before applying, explore more Title IV resources.

Key Takeaways

• Pell Grants provide crucial financial aid for students with demonstrated financial need, reducing their reliance on loans.
• Completing the FAFSA is the first step to determining your eligibility and award amount.
• Grant amounts depend on financial need and whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time.
• Lifetime funding limitations exist; students should plan their educational timeline carefully to maximize the six-year limit.
• Pell Grant repayment is rare, but students should be mindful of withdrawal policies to avoid repayment obligations.
• Graduate students are not eligible for Pell Grants, but should still use FAFSA to access Graduate PLUS Loans and scholarships.
• Title IV funding changes coming July 1, 2026, could affect graduate loan availability.

Understanding Pell Grants and navigating the FAFSA process are critical for effective college financial planning. For eligible students, these grants can significantly reduce the financial barriers to higher education, paving the way for a brighter future.

While Pell Grants are not an option for graduate students, completing the FAFSA and applying for scholarships can open doors to other financial aid for graduate students and funding opportunities. If you are worried about how to get scholarships for graduate school, start by reviewing eligibility criteria and deadlines early in the application process. With upcoming changes to Title IV on the horizon, now is the time to plan your graduate or professional degree funding strategy.

Reach out to the Financial Aid Office at Alliant International University to start exploring financial pathways for advanced degree programs.

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Sources:

^[1] “Federal Pell Grants.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[2]  “Federal Pell Grants.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[3] “Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate or Professional Students.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus/grad. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[4] “Federal Work-Study Jobs Help Students Earn Money to Pay for College or Career School.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[5]  “Federal Pell Grants.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[6] “Calculating Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell/calculate-eligibility. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[7] Dortch, Hegji, and Zota. “Federal Student Aid Authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act.” Congress.gov. October 9, 2024. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12780. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[8] “One Big Beautiful Bill Act Updates.” US Department of Education. October 10, 2025. https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[9] “Federal Student Loans in 2026: What The One Big Beautiful Bill Means for You.” Citizens Bank. 2025. https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/how-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-affects-students.aspx. Accessed October 31, 2025.

^[10] “Federal Grants for College or Career/Trade School.” US Department of Education. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants#when-you-may-have-to-repay-a-grant. Accessed October 31, 2025.

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Deborah Spindler
University Director of Financial Aid, Financial Aid Administration, Alliant University

In the role of University Director of Financial Aid, Deborah Spindler leads the Alliant University Financial Aid Administration. The financial aid administration is committed to providing assistance to qualified students who would otherwise be unable to pursue their educational and professional goals.

Alliant offers federal financial aid, including Title IV financial aid, and scholarships for U.S. citizens and legal residents. Financing is available through scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans. The federal government, state government, Alliant, and private sources finance these programs.