A Federal Pell Grant is financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education for eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
Because it is a grant, it generally does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are often one of the first types of aid students and families look for because they can help reduce the amount a student needs to pay out of pocket or borrow.
UAlbany determines Pell Grant eligibility after you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list UAlbany as one of your schools.
Pell Grant Basics
Federal Pell Grants can help eligible students pay for college expenses, including tuition, fees and other education-related costs.
Your Pell Grant eligibility is determined by the information you provide on the FAFSA. UAlbany uses your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify and how much Pell Grant funding you may receive.
Your Pell Grant amount may depend on:
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Your enrollment intensity, which is based on the number of credits you take
- Your cost of attendance
- Your remaining Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)
- Federal Pell Grant award limits for the academic year
Note: Students may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Who Is Eligible for a Pell Grant?
Pell Grants are typically awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree.
To be considered for a Pell Grant at UAlbany, you must complete the FAFSA and list UAlbany using the Federal School Code 002835.
You must also meet federal student aid eligibility requirements and maintain academic eligibility for financial aid.
Note: Some students whose parent or guardian died while serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces or as a public safety officer may be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funds.
How Much Is a Pell Grant Worth?
For the 2026–2027 award year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395. The minimum award is $740. Your actual award will be determined by your FAFSA information, enrollment intensity and remaining Pell Grant eligibility.
Federal Pell Grant maximum and minimum award amounts are updated by the federal government. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for current Pell Grant amounts.
Note: A higher Student Aid Index (SAI) generally reduces Pell Grant eligibility. For the 2026–2027 award year, students with an SAI equal to or greater than $14,790 are not eligible for a Pell Grant, unless they qualify under the federal Special Rule for dependents of certain deceased servicemembers and public safety officers.
How Do I Apply for a Pell Grant?
There is no separate Pell Grant application. To be considered, complete the FAFSA for the academic year you plan to attend UAlbany.
When you submit the FAFSA, use UAlbany’s Federal School Code: 002835.
After your FAFSA is processed, check your MyUAlbany portal for Tasks. If UAlbany needs additional information, those items must be completed before your financial aid eligibility can be finalized.
Note: New York State residents should also review state aid options, such as TAP and Excelsior, because Pell Grants and New York State aid are separate programs with separate eligibility rules.
How Will I Know If I Received a Pell Grant?
If you are eligible, your Pell Grant will appear in your financial aid offer in MyUAlbany.
The amount listed may change if your enrollment changes, if your FAFSA information is updated or if UAlbany receives new information that affects your eligibility.
Why Does Enrollment Matter for Pell Grants?
Your Pell Grant is tied to your enrollment intensity, which is based on the number of credits you take.
This means your award may change if you enroll part time, add a class, drop a class or withdraw from a course. Only credits that apply to your degree can be counted for federal aid eligibility.
Before making changes to your schedule, review how the change may affect your financial aid.
What Do I Need to Know About Summer Pell?
You may be able to receive Pell Grant funds for summer study if you meet eligibility requirements.
At UAlbany, students must be enrolled in degree-applicable credits to receive Pell. Using Pell in the summer may also reduce your eligibility for Pell Grants in the fall and spring semesters if you are reaching your Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used.
If you are enrolled at least half-time, which is six credits for undergraduate students, in applicable credits during the summer, you may be able to receive up to 150% of your scheduled Pell Grant award for the award year.
Note: If you drop credits at any time during the summer, your Pell Grant may be reduced or canceled.
Students who need or want to receive financial aid for the Summer Sessions must complete a supplemental application provided annually by the University.
How Long Can I Receive a Pell Grant?
Students are limited to 12 full-time semesters, or 600%, of Pell Grant eligibility during their lifetime.
This limit is called Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). It applies even if you received Pell Grant funds at another college or university before attending UAlbany.
Using Pell Grant funds for summer study counts toward your LEU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay back a Pell Grant?
In most cases, no. A Pell Grant generally does not have to be paid back.
However, you may have to repay some or all of a grant if your enrollment changes, you withdraw from your courses, you receive outside aid that changes your eligibility or you no longer meet the requirements for the award.
Can parents apply for a Pell Grant for their student?
No. The student applies for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA.
However, dependent students usually need parent information on the FAFSA. Dependent students and one parent will each need their own FSA ID to complete and sign the FAFSA.
Can graduate students receive Pell Grants?
Pell Grants are generally awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate or professional degree.
Graduate students should review other federal financial aid options, including federal loans and Federal Work-Study.
Can I receive a Pell Grant and TAP?
Yes, eligible New York State residents may receive both a Federal Pell Grant and New York State aid, such as TAP, if they meet the requirements for each program.
Complete the FAFSA first. New York State residents attending New York schools can then link to the New York State Grants and Scholarships application from the FAFSA submission confirmation page or apply through the Higher Education Services Corporation.