Federal Pell Grant
Students apply for a Federal Pell Grant by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)(opens in new window). The Pell Grant is free money awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant - see information below.)
The maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27 is $7,395.
You may be eligible for a Pell Grant if you are enrolled less than full-time, but your Pell Grant amount may change based on your enrollment.
Note: Starting in 2026-27 you cannot receive a Federal Pell Grant for a school year if other grants or scholarships (from the state, your college, or private organizations) already cover your full cost of attendance for that year. Learn more about upcoming changes at the CSU Federal Student Aid Updates webpage(opens in new window).
See the Federal Student Aid website for more financial aid information:
What is the lifetime eligibility used (LEU) for Pell Grants?
Students are limited to a total of 12 full-time semesters (600%) of Pell Grant eligibility. The calculation of this total will include previous semesters/quarters at Chico State and at any other school, including community colleges, where a Pell Grant was paid. Visit studentaid.gov(opens in new window) to determine the percentage of Pell grant you have received and to determine how much Pell grant you have left.
Consortium Agreements
You may receive Pell Grant funds from only one school at a time. If you are attending another institution while enrolled and receiving aid at Chico State you may submit a Consortium Agreement to have the additional course units count towards your Pell Grant eligibility.
Credential Students
You must be pursuing your initial teaching credential in order to be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. Your credential program MUST either be in a blended undergraduate/credential pathway OR a stand-alone credential that does NOT have a blended pathway option. Student enrolled in a credential-only program that is offered as a blended pathway are NOT eligible for Credential Pell Grant. Note: Students who have already received their lifetime maximum as an undergraduate will not be eligible for the Pell Grant while in the credential program.