2025-26 Pell Grant Maximum and Minimum Announced

The Department of Education announced the maximum ($7,395) and minimum ($740) Pell Grant award amounts for the 2025–2026 award year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). These amounts help institutions inform students and families about Pell Grant eligibility with the release of the 2025–2026 FAFSA® in December 2024.

Key Points:

• The maximum Pell Grant award remains $7,395, as set by Public Law 118-158 (American Relief Act).

• The minimum Pell Grant award is $740, calculated as 10% of the maximum, rounded to the nearest $5.

• All 2025–2026 awards must use these amounts, pending Congressional action to extend current funding beyond March 14, 2025.

• If Congress updates funding, the Department will revise the published award amounts.

FAFSA Simplification Changes:

• The Pell Grant Payment and Disbursement Schedule will no longer be used.

• A student’s Scheduled Pell Award will be one of the following:

  • Max Pell – based on specific eligibility factors (e.g., income, family size, tax filing status).

  • SAI-calculated Pell – the maximum award minus the Student Aid Index (SAI), rounded to the nearest $5.

  • Min Pell – awarded if SAI-calculated amount is below $740 but other minimum eligibility is met.

For more details, refer to the upcoming 2025–26 SAI and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide and Volume 7 of the FSA Handbook.

Additional Reminders:

• Students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant in a year, if eligible.

• Cost of Attendance (COA) is always based on a full-time, full-year basis, regardless of a student’s actual enrollment intensity.

• Pell Grant eligibility is capped at 12 semesters (or equivalent) per student (Lifetime Eligibility Used, or LEU).

JH Strategic Group is ready to assist institutions with any questions or support needed regarding the 2025-26 Pell Grant updates.