The short version
- Federal grants are based on the FAFSA.
- The Federal Pell Grant is the best known, and it is generally need-based.
- Official rules and amounts are published at StudentAid.gov.
How eligibility is usually decided
Federal grants generally depend on the Student Aid Index, the cost of attendance, enrollment level and whether the student is pursuing a first undergraduate degree.
Main programs
- Federal Pell Grant: the main need-based federal grant for undergraduates.
- FSEOG: a supplemental grant that participating schools award from limited funds.
- Other programs exist for specific situations. StudentAid.gov lists them.
How it is paid
The school applies the grant to its charges first and sends any remainder to the student on its schedule.
Questions for an aid office
- Which federal grants did you include?
- How does my enrollment level affect them?
- What do I need to do next year?
Quadrelo is an information website, not a school, college, lender, scholarship service, or government agency. It does not award or administer grants, take aid applications, offer or arrange loans, match you with schools or programs, or share your details with schools, lenders, or other partners. Nothing here is financial, legal, or admissions advice.