- For students who have not yet received a bachelor’s degree
- Amount varies from student to student and is awarded on an annual basis
- Payment is based on the number of units enrolled in and attending and is paid via check or direct deposit generally twice per semester
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive payment
- Each student has a lifetime limit of up to six, full-time annual Pell Grant awards, or 600%
- Award is a need-based grant
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the way you qualify for a Pell Grant will change. Instead of using categories like “full-time” or “half-time,” it will now be based on something called “enrollment intensity.”
Enrollment intensity is a percentage that shows how many units you’re taking compared to a full-time course load, or 12 units. Your Pell Grant amount will be based on this percentage, which is more flexible and better matches your actual classes.
Keep in mind, this change only applies to the Federal Pell Grant. Other aid programs, like Cal Grant, will still use the old categories.
Number of Units |
Enrollment Status Categories - Old way |
Enrollment Intensity - New way |
12 (or more) |
full-time, 100% |
100% |
11 |
three-quarter time, 75% |
92% |
10 |
three-quarter time, 75% |
83% |
9 |
three-quarter time, 75% |
75% |
8 |
half-time, 50% |
67% |
7 |
half-time, 50% |
58% |
6 |
half-time, 50% |
50% |
5 |
less-than-half-time, 25% |
42% |
4 |
less-than-half-time, 25% |
33% |
3 |
less-than-half-time, 25% |
25% |
2 |
less-than-half-time, 25% |
17% |
1 |
less-than-half-time, 25% |
8% |
What is a Pell Grant?
- Must be repaid
- Must be enrolled in at least six units of non-remedial/non-ESL coursework
- In addition to the completed file, the student must complete online entrance counseling and sign a promissory note.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive payment
-
Award is a need-based grant
-
Amount varies from student to student and is awarded once every academic school year
-
Payment is based on the number of units enrolled in and attending and is paid via check or direct deposit generally once per semester
-
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive payment
What is an FSEOG?
- Initially awarded to a student who indicates on their FAFSA that they are interested in student employment
- Starting July 1st, offered on a first-come/first-served basis until all funds are exhausted
- Requires at least six units of enrollment and is paid via check or direct deposit on the 10th of each month
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress
What is a Federal Work-Study job?