Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the Department of Education and is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is determined by the information entered on the FAFSA. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who meet the eligibility as determined by the FAFSA.
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid.
If eligible for a Federal Pell Grant the award will be part of your financial aid package with the university.
How to Apply
In order to determine eligibility the student should complete the FAFSA application.
Stony Brook University School Code: 002838
| Academic Year | FAFSA Application | Submit FAFSA as early as |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 (Summer 25, Fall 25, Spring 26) | 2025-2026 FAFSA | 12/1/2024 |
| 2024-2025 (Summer 24, Fall 24, Spring 25) | 2024-2025 FAFSA | 1/1/2024 |
How Federal Pell Grant Awards are determined
- SAI as determined by the FAFSA application
- Enrollment: Total amounts are prorated based on the number of credits enrolled for the term.
- Pell is recalculated as your enrollment adjusts such as adding or dropping classes. Maximum amount is based on 12 credits
- Final Pell amount is determined based on your enrollment at the time of the add/drop date for the term.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet the following requirements to receive a Federal Pell Grant:
- File a FAFSA application for the academic aid year
- If selected for verification, all required documents must be submitted and verification must be complete prior to Pell being awarded.
- Freshman may see a Pell Amount on their awards but if selected for verification awards are not final until verification is complete.
- Student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Student must be enrolled in a degree program with the university.
- Student must be a undergraduate student who has not already earned a bachelor's graduate, or professional degree already.
Award Amounts & Limits
The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds you may receive over your lifetime is limited by federal law. You may receive the Pell Grant for the equivalent of six years of full-time study. Each year of full-time study that you complete is equal to 100%. In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150% of his or her scheduled Pell Grant for an award year. Because six years is the limit by federal law, students may receive 600% of their Pell Grant eligibility.
Maximum award amounts can change yearly which are determined by the U.S. Congress.
2025-26 Award Year
Final Maximum amount has yet to be determined.
2024-25 Award Year
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2024-25 award year (July 1,
2024 to June 30, 2025).
2023-24 Award Year
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2023-24 award year (July 1,
2023 to June 30, 2024).
Pell Chart for 2023-2024
Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act.
A Pell-eligible student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while serving as a public safety officer are eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant for the award year.
Additional Resources
Federal Student Aid Website for additional information on the Federal Pell Grant.
NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?
Be sure to visit the rest of our website for more information that may meet your specific questions and needs. If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us for more information about the financial aid process, status of your awards or to submit documents.