Federal pell grants
Federal pell grants are considered gift aid awarded to eligible undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor's degree who demonstrate significant financial need.
To determine eligibility, the U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula established by Congress to evaluate the information reported on the FAFSA. The formula produces a student aid index, or SAI. This figure is used by ASU’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Services to award federal Pell Grants, as well as other types of aid. Pell Grants are automatically accepted on your behalf.
The Pell Grant does not have a minimum enrollment status, but eligibility will vary based on your SAI if you are enrolled less than full time.
Factors affecting the amount of the Pell Grant award include the SAI, cost of attendance, enrollment status and whether or not your attendance is for the full academic year. Graduate- level courses that do not apply to the undergraduate degree are not eligible for the Pell Grant.
If you are enrolled less than full-time, a prorated amount will be disbursed to you (see our Census policy).