Federal Pell Grant

What this actually is

If you have been shown an advert offering "up to $7,395 in educational grants if you qualify," that number is the FEDERAL PELL GRANT MAXIMUM. Pell is a federal grant you do not repay, and the ONLY way to get it is to file the FAFSA, which is FREE at studentaid.gov. No company can get you Pell, increase your Pell, or qualify you for Pell. Sites that quote that figure are lead generators paid by schools for your contact details. File the FAFSA yourself; it costs nothing.

Who qualifies, and what trips people up

Undergraduate, no prior bachelor's degree, demonstrated financial need per the FAFSA, enrolled or accepted at a participating school, valid SSN, satisfactory academic progress. The maximum changes each award year — check the current figure at studentaid.gov rather than trusting an advert.