Federal Pell Grant

Purpose: Awarded to help undergraduates (students who have not earned a Bachelor or Professional Degree) pay for their education after high school. Grants generally do not have to be repaid.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate students only
• Must display exceptional financial need
• Have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree
• Award based on Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Prorated based on credit enrollment (full-time is 12+ credits)

Geographic Scope: Federal program

Key Details:

• For many students, these grants provide a "foundation" of financial aid to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources may be added
• Awards are prorated based on credit hours:
  • 12 credits = 100%
  • 11 credits = 92%
  • 10 credits = 83%
  • 9 credits = 75%
  • 8 credits = 67%
  • 7 credits = 58%
  • 6 credits = 50%
  • 5 credits = 42%
  • 4 credits = 33%
  • 3 credits = 25%
  • 2 credits = 17%
  • 1 credit = 8%
• Recalculation Dates: Awards are recalculated when enrollment changes occur before the Pell Recalculation Date (PRD):
  • Fall 2025: September 7, 2025
  • Spring 2026: January 25, 2026
  • Summer 2026: May 31, 2026
• Summer Awards: Summer is a trailer term (last semester of award year). Students must complete FAFSA or CASFA and be enrolled in courses counting toward eligible Title IV program. Summer aid is not guaranteed and awarded first-come, first-served basis.

Additional Resources: Federal Student Aid website

Application Process

1. Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA)
2. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for clarification on your specific situation
3. For summer aid, ensure you are enrolled in courses counting toward your eligible Title IV program

Note: Basecamp will show an award based on full-time enrollment (12+ credits). Contact the Office of Financial Aid for clarification if enrolled part-time.