Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Site Navigation Skip To Section Navigation Skip to Footer

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). Students who demonstrate financial need and 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). Your SAI, along with federal Pell Grant formulas, your enrollment level, and CSI’s cost of attendance, are used to determine your eligibility and award amount.

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. Students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant within an award year if they meet enrollment and eligibility requirements, including minimum enrollment levels.

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 Pell Grant eligibility. Students can receive Pell Grant funding for up to 600% of their lifetime eligibility (approximately six full-time years).

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 or Financial Aid Advisor can help you understand your Pell Grant eligibility and connect you with other opportunities for financial assistance, including scholarships and grants.