It’s really easy—just fill out your FAFSA each year. You’ll automatically be considered for federal grants.
How to apply for a grant from the U.S. government
Federal Pell Grants
If you’re an undergraduate working toward your first degree and you need money to pay for your education, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. To qualify, you must:
- File your FAFSA each year (we recommend that you file by April 15)
- Be enrolled in at least 1 credit hour per semester (waitlisted classes don’t count)
You can receive the Federal Pell Grant for up to six years (12 scheduled semester awards). If you have a current FAFSA on file each year, you’ll automatically be considered.
How much does the Federal Pell Grant program award?
Federal Pell Grant amounts vary according to your need. They also vary from year to year. The amount you’re awarded will depend on your income, your Student Aid Index (SAI) (calculated based on your FAFSA), and the number of hours in which you’re enrolled.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
If you receive a Federal Pell Grant, filed your FAFSA by the priority deadline, and have a negative SAI or an SAI of $0, you’ll automatically be considered for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
How much does the Federal SEOG award?
Federal SEOG amounts vary according to your need. They also vary from year to year.
What’s the Student Aid Index (and why does it matter)?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as the number used to determine whether you're eligible for certain types of aid, and if so, how much you can be awarded. Your SAI is calculated based on the financial information you provide on your FAFSA. (Your SAI doesn’t tell you what you’ll pay for your education, though. In many cases, families contribute more than the SAI to cover all expenses.)