DB101 California - Pell Grants: Eligibility (2024)

FAQs

What makes you not eligible for the Pell Grant? ›

A student with a baccalaureate or professional degree is ineligible even if the degree is from an unaccredited school or is not recognized by your school. Similarly, a student with a baccalaureate or professional degree from a foreign school usually isn't eligible for a Pell Grant.

Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible noncitizen. Have a valid Social Security Number. Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate OR demonstrate “ability to benefit” by passing an approved test. Meet satisfactory academic progress.

These factors include: a student's dependency status, state of legal residence, a student and/or parent's adjusted gross income (AGI), and family size. The Look-Up Tables use the 2022 poverty lines to determine eligibility for a maximum (Max Pell) or minimum (Min Pell) award.

For instance, you might no longer meet one of the basic eligibility criteria, or you might have changed majors and no longer be enrolled in a program that makes you eligible to receive a specific type of funding (for instance, a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education [TEACH] Grant).

You could qualify for both a Pell Grant and a Cal Grant. To apply for a Pell Grant, you must submit the FAFSA. For the Cal Grant, you must submit both the FAFSA OR CA Dream Act Application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline.

Some of the most common reasons your grant funds may be reduced are: You didn't enroll full time. Pell Grants are prorated for part-time enrollment, You didn't begin attending all of your classes before the financial aid lock date.

The amount depends on your financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Eligibility Requirements

be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria. be a California resident for 1 year. attend a qualifying California college. not have a bachelor's or professional degree.

For Maximum and Minimum Pell Grant evaluation, the DOE uses the family's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from their taxes and family size relative to national poverty determinations for the same year as the taxes reported on the aid year's FAFSA.

Pell Grants are typically awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's, graduate or professional degree, and who demonstrate financial need. In certain situations, students enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher credential program may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant.

What are 3 things that the FAFSA determines your eligibility for? ›

To determine eligibility, the information on your FAFSA is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Your EFC is used to determine your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant, school-based aid, and Federal Subsidized Stafford and Direct Subsidized Loan Programs.

The amount you get, though, will depend on: Your Student Aid Index (SAI) from your completed 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The Cost of Attendance (determined by your school for your specific program). Your status as a full-time or part-time student.

Completion of a bachelor's or graduate degree

If you earned or completed a bachelor's or graduate degree, you're not eligible for any government grants.

Undergraduate students who have not completed a Bachelor's or professional degree and who meet other Pell Grant Program criteria are eligible to receive an award between $740 to $7,395 in the 2024-2025 academic year (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025).

Not maintaining satisfactory progress at your college or degree program. Not filling out the FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school. Defaulting on a student loan.

The amount depends on your financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Learn more about Pell grants.

Not maintaining satisfactory progress at your college or degree program. Not filling out the FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school. Defaulting on a student loan.

Determining Whether Your Child Is Eligible for a Pell Grant

Generally, students with bachelor's or professional degrees are ineligible for Pell Grants. However, those in certain teacher certification programs may qualify for this form of funding.