[VERIFY all figures against current studentaid.gov before publishing]
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the maximum Pell Grant award for the 2026–27 academic year will increase to $7,580, up from the prior year's maximum. The change reflects the annual cost-of-attendance adjustment authorized under the Higher Education Act.
What changed
The base maximum grant rises by approximately [verify amount] dollars. Awards continue to be calculated based on:
- The student's Student Aid Index (SAI)
- The cost of attendance at the chosen institution
- Enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, or less than half-time)
- Whether the student is enrolled for a full academic year or fewer terms
Who benefits most
The largest awards continue to go to undergraduate students from the lowest-income households, particularly those whose parents would not be required to file a federal tax return. The expanded eligibility criteria from recent FAFSA simplification rules remain in effect for the 2026–27 cycle.
Action items for students and families
- Submit the 2026–27 FAFSA as early as possible at studentaid.gov
- Check your state's deadline — many states have priority deadlines well before the federal deadline
- Review your Student Aid Report when it arrives and contact your school's financial aid office with any questions
For full details on Pell Grant eligibility and the application process, see our Pell Grant guide.