Financial Aid
For College
DegreeFlex can help point you toward financial aid for college, career school, or trade school starting with the FAFSA, the federal government’s application for grants, loans, and work-study funds.
Start With the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is free to complete and takes most people under 30 minutes. Submitting it gives you access to federal grants (including the Federal Pell Grant), work-study funds, and federal student loans and many states, schools, and private aid providers use your FAFSA information too, so completing it once can unlock aid from multiple sources.
To get started, you’ll need a StudentAid.gov account. The form walks you through seven sections: Student Identity Information, Personal Circumstances, Demographics, Financials, Colleges and Career Schools, Contributor Invite, and Signature. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll generally need to invite a parent as a contributor to complete their portion.
3 Pell Grant Eligibility
The Federal Pell Grant is the largest source of grant aid for college, career school, or trade school and unlike a loan, it typically doesn’t have to be paid back. For the 2026–27 award year, the pell grant maximum amount is $7,395.
Pell Grant eligibility is based on more than just income. The federal government also considers family size, tax filing status, and federal poverty guidelines so it’s worth completing the FAFSA even if you’re not sure you’ll qualify. Any undergraduate student who hasn’t yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree may be eligible, and you can generally receive Pell Grant funding for up to six years total, whether or not those years are consecutive.
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
Financial aid for graduate students works differently than undergraduate aid. Pell Grants are only available to undergraduate students, but graduate and professional students may still qualify for federal student loans and, in some cases, grants or assistantships offered directly by their school.
Common Questions About Financial Aid
How to check FAFSA status?
You can check your FAFSA status by logging into your StudentAid.gov account. After you submit your form, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary by email that outlines your next steps.
What is the pell grant maximum amount for this year?
For the 2026–27 award year, the maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Is there a fafsa completion guide I can follow step by step?
Yes. The FAFSA form is organized into seven clear sections Student Identity Information, Personal Circumstances, Demographics, Financials, Colleges and Career Schools, Contributor Invite, and Signature and each section includes built-in help as you go.
What is pell grant eligibility based on?
Pell Grant eligibility is based on financial need, family size, tax filing status, and federal poverty guidelines, not income alone. Completing the FAFSA is the only way to find out for certain.
Is financial aid for graduate students available?
Yes, though options differ from undergraduate aid. Graduate and professional students aren’t eligible for Pell Grants but may qualify for federal student loans and school-specific funding.
Do I have to repay a Pell Grant?
No, in most cases. Unlike a federal student loan, a Pell Grant generally doesn’t need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances, such as withdrawing from school early.
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