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Federal Grant

The Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 a Year. No Repayment. Ever.

This is the largest federal grant for women going back to school. It pays for tuition, books, and living expenses. You never pay it back. Here is exactly how to get it.

$7,395
max per year
6.6M
students receive it
Free
to apply via FAFSA
Start My FAFSA Application
What is the Pell Grant

Free money from the government. No catch.

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Unlike a loan, you never pay it back. It was created specifically for people who could not otherwise afford college.

Most women who receive it use it to cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and living costs while they study. Whether you are finishing your degree, starting a new one, or getting certified in a new field, this grant can cover a large part of the cost.

You apply for it through FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year. It is available at thousands of schools across the country.

Who Qualifies

You probably qualify if all of these apply to you.

The Pell Grant is designed for people with financial need. Most women returning to school after 35 qualify.

Not sure if you qualify? Take the free quiz and get a personalized match in under 5 minutes. You might qualify for more than just the Pell Grant.

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How Much You Can Get

The maximum is $7,395 a year. Your amount depends on a few things.

$7,395
maximum award per academic year (2024–2025)
Based on
Your household income and family size
Also factors in
Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
Paid out
Each semester, directly to your school
Available for
Up to 12 semesters (6 years)

After your FAFSA is processed, your school uses your Student Aid Index (SAI) to calculate your exact award. The lower your SAI, the higher your grant. Many women going back to school after 40 receive close to the maximum.

If you go part-time, your award is prorated. Half-time enrollment gets you roughly half the full award. You still get money.

How to Apply

Six steps from start to funded. Takes about 30 minutes.

You apply for the Pell Grant through FAFSA. Here is exactly what to do.

1

Create your FSA ID

Your FSA ID is your username and password for the federal student aid system. You will use it every year. Create one at studentaid.gov. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.

Create FSA ID
2

Gather your documents

You will need your Social Security number, your most recent federal tax return (or W-2 if you didn't file), your bank account balances, and the name of the school or schools you are considering. You do not need to be admitted yet.

No tax return? The FAFSA uses the IRS Direct Data Exchange to pull your tax info automatically. You do not have to enter it by hand.
3

Complete the FAFSA

Go to studentaid.gov and log in with your FSA ID. The FAFSA opens October 1st each year for the following school year. Applying early gives you the best chance at the most aid. Most people finish in under 30 minutes.

Open FAFSA Application
4

Wait for your Student Aid Report

Within a few days, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by email. Review it for errors. This report includes your Student Aid Index (SAI), which determines how much aid you receive. A lower SAI means more aid.

5

Receive your award letter from your school

Once your FAFSA is processed, your school will send you a financial aid award letter. This tells you exactly how much Pell Grant money you are getting, plus any other aid you qualify for. Review it carefully before you accept.

6

Accept your aid and enroll

Accept your Pell Grant through your school's financial aid portal. The money is applied directly to your tuition and fees. If there is anything left over after tuition is covered, your school will give you the remainder to use for books and living costs.

Common Questions

Things women ask before they apply.

No. The Pell Grant is not a loan. You never pay it back. The only exception is if you withdraw from school entirely during the semester and your school determines you owe a portion back. As long as you complete the semester, you keep it.
Yes. Previous college credits do not disqualify you. As long as you are still working toward your first bachelor's degree or an eligible certificate program, you can receive the Pell Grant. The limit is 12 semesters (or the equivalent) of Pell funding over your lifetime.
You can still apply. The FAFSA has options for people who are not required to file taxes or who have not filed yet. If you had income but no return, you can use your W-2s. If you had no income at all, you can indicate that on the form.
Yes, as long as the school participates in federal financial aid programs. Most accredited online colleges and many vocational certificate programs are eligible. You can search for eligible schools on studentaid.gov before you apply.
You still receive the Pell Grant, just at a reduced amount based on your enrollment level. Half-time students typically receive about half the full award. Taking even two or three classes per semester can still get you meaningful funding.
The FAFSA opens October 1st for the next school year. Apply as early as possible since some aid is first-come, first-served. After FAFSA is processed (usually a few days), your school issues your award letter. Money is typically disbursed within the first few weeks of the semester.
Yes. After tuition and fees are paid, any remaining Pell Grant funds are refunded to you as a check or direct deposit. You can use that money for rent, childcare, groceries, transportation, or anything else you need while you are in school.

Ready to start your application? The FAFSA is free and takes about 30 minutes.

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Elera Rowan provides general information about grant and financial aid programs. This is not financial or legal advice. Grant availability, eligibility requirements, and award amounts can change. Always verify current information directly on the official program website before applying.