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Are Pell Grants Paid Back?

Written by: Jody Adams
Last updated: January 31, 2024

Pell Grants are different from loans. Loans must be repaid, but Pell Grants do not require repayment. Pell Grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, so they are not a form of a loan. Instead, they are a form of gift aid, meaning you do not have to pay it back.

Are Pell Grants Paid Back?

The short answer is no; you don’t have to pay back a Pell Grant. Pell Grants are a form of federal financial aid for students who demonstrate financial need and are awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid.

Pay Back Differences Between Grants And Loans

The main difference between grants and loans is that grants do not have to be repaid, while loans must be repaid. Grants are typically awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, while loans are typically awarded to students who do not demonstrate financial need. Grants also tend to have fewer restrictions than loans, so they are often used to cover a wider range of educational expenses.

Is There A Pay Back If I Drop Out Of School After Receiving A Pell Grant?

If you drop out of school after receiving a Pell Grant, you may have to pay back some or all of the money. The amount you have to pay back is based on how long you have been enrolled in school and how much of the grant money you have used.

Information About What Happens If You Drop Out Of School After Receiving A Pell Grant

If you drop out of school after receiving a Pell Grant, the amount you have to pay back will depend on how long you have enrolled. If you drop out before completing 60 percent of the period of enrollment, you may have to pay back a portion of the grant money. If you drop out after completing more than 60 percent of the enrollment period, you may not have to pay back any grant money.

Consequences Of Dropping Out Before Completing Your Degree

Dropping out of school before completing your degree can have serious consequences. In addition to paying back a portion of your Pell Grant, you may be ineligible for other financial aid forms. You may also have difficulty finding a job or pursuing further education.

Can I Use My Pell Grant for Educational Expenses Other Than Tuition?

You can use your Pell Grant for educational expenses other than tuition. Examples of educational expenses that your grant money can cover include books, supplies, room and board, and transportation.

Examples Of Educational Expenses That Your Grant Money Can Cover

Examples of educational expenses that your grant money can cover include:

  • Books and Supplies
  • Room and board
  • Transportation
  • Personal Expenses
  • Child care
  • Tutoring

Restrictions On How The Grant Money Can Be Used

The grant money must be used for educational expenses related to your degree program. It cannot be used to buy non-educational items such as cars or furniture or repay student loans.

Are There Limits On How Many Times I Can Receive A Pell Grant?

Yes, there are limits on how many times you can receive a Pell Grant. The maximum amount of Pell Grant funding you can receive throughout your education equals the equivalent of two full-time semesters.

If you want to know if a Pell Grant is a loan, visit our article about it today to learn more.

Want to know if Pell Grant is subsidized or unsubsidized?

If you are interested in more articles like this, here’s one explaining the difference between FAFSA and Pell Grants.

Jody Adams
Jody Adams is an accomplished editor-in-chief with a deep understanding of social care and government benefits issues. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in Public Policy, Jody has spent her career shaping the narrative around social policies and their impact on society. She has worked with renowned publications, effectively bridging the gap between complex policy analysis and public understanding. Jody's editorial expertise ensures that vital information on social care and government benefits reaches a broad audience, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
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