What it is
Federal grants are gift aid — money for college you generally don't repay. The main ones are the Pell Grant (the cornerstone need-based grant), the FSEOG (extra help for the highest-need students), and the TEACH Grant (for future teachers). All start with filing the FAFSA.
How it works
- Pell GrantThe federal government's main need-based grant. For 2026-27 the maximum is $7,395; your amount depends on your SAI, cost, and enrollment. A 2026-27 change: an SAI above $14,790 (twice the max), or scholarships covering your full cost of attendance, ends Pell eligibility.
- FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)Extra grant money for students with exceptional need. It's campus-based with limited funds, so it's often first-come — file the FAFSA early.
- TEACH GrantUp to a set amount per year for students who agree to teach in a high-need field at a low-income school for four years. If you don't complete the service, it converts to a loan.
Who qualifies
Grants are primarily need-based and determined by your FAFSA/SAI (the TEACH Grant adds a service commitment and coursework requirements). You must meet general federal-aid rules (citizenship/eligible noncitizen, enrollment, satisfactory progress). File the FAFSA to find out what you qualify for.
Applying, step by step
- File the FAFSAThis alone determines Pell and FSEOG eligibility
- File earlyFSEOG funds are limited and awarded first-come
- For TEACH, complete the agreementSign the service agreement and required counseling, and choose a qualifying program
How much & what it covers
Pell is up to $7,395 (2026-27), prorated by enrollment; FSEOG typically ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on need and campus funds; TEACH grants are a set annual amount. Pell now has a lifetime limit of about six years of full-time funding.
Tips to maximize it
- File the FAFSA as early as possibleIt's the only way to get Pell/FSEOG, and FSEOG is first-come
- Watch the new Pell cutoffsHigh SAI or full-COA scholarships can end eligibility in 2026-27
- Think hard before a TEACH GrantIt becomes a loan if you don't fulfill the teaching service
- Re-file every yearGrant eligibility is determined annually
Frequently asked questions
- Do I repay federal grants?No — except a TEACH Grant that converts to a loan if you don't complete the required teaching service.
- What's the max Pell?$7,395 for 2026-27 (prorated by enrollment).
- Who gets FSEOG?Students with exceptional need, while campus funds last.
- How do I apply?File the FAFSA (plus the TEACH agreement for that grant).
- Can scholarships cost me my Pell?In 2026-27, scholarships covering your full cost of attendance can end Pell eligibility.
Key facts
- Pell GrantUp to $7,395 (2026-27), need-based
- FSEOGExtra need-based grant, campus-based & first-come
- TEACHFor future teachers — becomes a loan if service unmet
- GatewayThe FAFSA
- Repay?No (except unfulfilled TEACH)
Where to learn more
Learn more at the official source: