Pell Grants

A Pell Grant is money from the federal government that helps you pay for college - and you do not have to pay it back. Pell Grants are awarded to students who show financial need based on the information they provide on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Most students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree may qualify. For more details, visit the StudentAid.gov website.

How do I know if I’m eligible?

When you complete the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education reviews your financial information and calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI). This number helps determine whether you qualify for a Pell Grant and how much you may receive.

The amount you receive depends on:

Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
The cost of attendance at CSI
Your enrollment status (full-time or part-time)

Can I get funding for the summer semester too?

If you qualify for a Pell Grant, you may be able to receive additional funding for summer classes. Some students can receive up to 150% of their annual Pell Grant, which means you may still have funds available for summer, even if you received aid in the fall and spring.

If you register for summer classes, CSI will review your eligibility and notify you.

To be eligible for a summer Pell Grant, you must:

Have a complete financial aid file for the current FAFSA year
Be eligible for a Pell Grant
Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Have remaining lifetime Pell eligibility

Additional enrollment requirements may apply:

If you already received full Pell funding in fall and spring, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits) in summer to receive additional funds

Questions? Let's figure it out together.

Financial aid can feel complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. An Enrollment Specialist can help you understand your Pell Grant eligibility and connect you with other opportunities for free money, including scholarships and grants.