20 U.S.C. § 1070a

Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 83001(b), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 350, provided that, effective on July 1, 2026, subsection (b)(1) of this section is amended by adding at the end the following:“(F) Ineligibility of students with a high student aid index.—Notwithstanding subparagraphs (A) through (E), a student shall not be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant under this subsection for an academic year in which the student has a student aid index that equals or exceeds twice the amount of the total maximum Federal Pell Grant for such academic year.”

See 2025 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 83002(a), (c), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 350, 352, provided that, effective on July 1, 2026, and applicable with respect to award year 2026–2027 and each succeeding award year, this section is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

“(k) Workforce Pell Grant Program

“(1) In general

“For the award year beginning on July 1, 2026, and each subsequent award year, the Secretary shall award grants (to be known as “Workforce Pell Grants”) to eligible students under paragraph (2) in accordance with this subsection.

“(2) Eligible students

“To be eligible to receive a Workforce Pell Grant under this subsection for any period of enrollment, a student shall meet the eligibility requirements for a Federal Pell Grant under this section, except that the student—

“(A) shall be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in an eligible program under section 1088(b)(3) of this title (hereinafter referred to as an ‘eligible workforce program’); and

“(B) may not—

“(i) be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, in a program of study that leads to a graduate credential; or

“(ii) have attained such a credential.

“(3) Terms and conditions of awards

“The Secretary shall award Workforce Pell Grants under this subsection in the same manner and with the same terms and conditions as the Secretary awards Federal Pell Grants under this section, except that—

“(A) each use of the term ‘eligible program’ (except in subsection (b)(9)(A)) shall be substituted by ‘eligible workforce program under section 1088(b)(3) of this title’;

“(B) the provisions of subsection (d)(2) shall not be applicable to eligible workforce programs; and

“(C) a student who is eligible for a grant equal to less than the amount of the minimum Federal Pell Grant because the eligible workforce program in which the student is enrolled or accepted for enrollment is less than an academic year (in hours of instruction or weeks of duration) may still be eligible for a Workforce Pell Grant in an amount that is prorated based on the length of the program.

“(4) Prevention of double benefits

“No eligible student described in paragraph (2) may concurrently receive a grant under both this subsection and—

“(A) subsection (b); or

“(B) subsection (c).

“(5) Duration limit

“Any period of study covered by a Workforce Pell Grant awarded under this subsection shall be included in determining a student’s duration limit under subsection (d)(5).”

See 2025 Amendment note below.

The FAFSA Simplification Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(7)(B), is title VII of Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3137. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables. The effective date of the Act is July 1, 2024, except as otherwise provided, see section 701(b) of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as an Effective Date of 2020 Amendment note under section 1001 of this title.

The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, referred to in subsec. (c)(4), is Pub. L. 90–351, June 19, 1968, 82 Stat.197. Subpart 2 of part L of title I of the Act is classified generally to part B (§ 10301 et seq.) of subchapter XI of chapter 101 of Title 34, Crime Control and Law Enforcement. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1968 Act note set out under section 10101 of Title 34 and Tables.

The effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (c)(6)(B), probably means the effective date of section 103(c) of div. R of Pub. L. 117–103, which added subsec. (c)(6) of this section. See Effective Date of 2022 Amendment note below.

A prior section 1070a, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 411, as added Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 131(b)(1), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 248; amended Pub. L. 94–328, § 2(f), June 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 727; Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 121(a), (b)(1), (c)–(i), Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2091–2093; Pub. L. 95–43, § 1(a)(5), June 15, 1977, 91 Stat. 213; Pub. L. 95–566, § 2, Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2402; Pub. L. 96–49, § 5(a)(1), (2)(A), Aug. 13, 1979, 93 Stat. 351; Pub. L. 96–374, title IV, § 402, title XIII, § 1391(a)(1), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1401, 1503; Pub. L. 97–301, § 8(a), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1402, related to basic educational opportunity grants, amount and determinations, and applications, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.

A prior section 401 of Pub. L. 89–329 was renumbered section 400 by section 402(a)(3) of Pub. L. 102–325 and is classified to section 1070 of this title.

Another prior section 401 of Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, as added and amended Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 131(b)(1), title X, § 1001(c)(1), (2), June 23, 1972, 86 Stat. 247, 381; Pub. L. 94–482, title I, § 125, Oct. 12, 1976, 90 Stat. 2096; Pub. L. 96–374, title IV, § 401, title XIII, § 1391(a)(1), Oct. 3, 1980, 94 Stat. 1401, 1503, which stated purpose of program of grants to students in attendance at institutions of higher education, was classified to section 1070 of this title, prior to the general revision of this part by Pub. L. 99–498.

2025—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 119–21, § 83001(a)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, supbar. (A) read as follows: “the term ‘adjusted gross income’ means—

“(i) in the case of a dependent student, the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 62 of title 26) of the student’s parents in the second tax year preceding the academic year; and

“(ii) in the case of an independent student, the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 62 of title 26) of the student (and the student’s spouse, if applicable) in the second tax year preceding the academic year;”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(D). Pub. L. 119–21, § 83001(a)(2), substituted “For each academic year beginning before July 1, 2026, a student” for “A student” and inserted “, as in effect for such academic year,” after “section 1087tt(b)(1)(B)(v) of this title”.

Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 119–21, § 83001(b)(1), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 119–21, § 83003, substituted “$12,670,000,000” for “$2,170,000,000”.

Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 119–21, § 83004, added par. (6).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 119–21, § 83002(a), added subsec. (k).

2024—Subsec. (b)(7)(A). Pub. L. 118–40, § 101(b), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “In addition to any funds appropriated under paragraph (6) and any funds made available for this section under any appropriations Act, there are authorized to be appropriated, and there are appropriated (out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated) to carry out this section, $1,170,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each subsequent award year.”

Subsec. (b)(7)(B)(i). Pub. L. 118–40, § 101(c), substituted “2023, or 2024” for “or 2023”.

2022—Subsec. (b)(5)(A). Pub. L. 117–103, § 102(b)(1)(A), substituted “award year 2024–2025” for “award year 2023–2024”.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(i). Pub. L. 117–103, § 102(b)(1)(B)(i), substituted “fiscal year 2024” for “fiscal year 2023”.

Subsec. (b)(6)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 117–103, § 102(b)(1)(B)(ii), substituted “fiscal years 2024 through 2034” for “fiscal years 2023 through 2033”.

Subsec. (b)(7)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–103, § 102(b)(1)(C), substituted “2022, or 2023” for “or 2022”.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A). Pub. L. 117–103, § 102(b)(1)(D), substituted “fiscal year 2034” for “fiscal year 2033”.

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 117–103, § 103(c)(1)(A), redesignated subpars. (B) and (C) as (A) and (B), respectively, and struck out former subpar. (A) which read as follows: “who is eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant according to subsection (b)(1) for the award year for which the determination is made;”.

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–103, § 103(c)(1)(B), substituted “(2)(A)(i)” for “(2)(B)(i)”.

Subsec. (c)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 117–103, § 103(c)(1)(C), (D), added pars. (5) and (6) and redesignated former par. (5) as (7).

2020—Pub. L. 116–260 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section related to amount of and determinations and applications for Federal Pell Grants.

2019—Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(X). Pub. L. 116–91, § 7(1), substituted “$1,455,000,000” for “$1,430,000,000”.

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(XI). Pub. L. 116–91, § 7(2), substituted “$1,170,000,000” for “$1,145,000,000”.

2018—Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(VIII). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted “$1,334,000,000” for “$1,382,000,000”.

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(IX). Pub. L. 115–245 substituted “$1,370,000,000” for “$1,409,000,000”.

2017—Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(VII). Pub. L. 115–31, § 310(b), substituted “$1,320,000,000” for “$1,574,000,000”.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 115–31, § 310(a), added par. (8).

2015—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 114–113 struck out “except that a student eligible only under 1091(d)(1)(A) of this title who first enrolls in an eligible program of study on or after July 1, 2015 shall not be eligible for the amount of the increase calculated under paragraph (7)(B)” after “year”.

2014—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 113–235 inserted “except that a student eligible only under 1091(d)(1)(A) of this title who first enrolls in an eligible program of study on or after July 1, 2015 shall not be eligible for the amount of the increase calculated under paragraph (7)(B)” after “year”.

2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(1), substituted “paragraph (7)(B)” for “paragraph (8)(B)”.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 112–74, § 309(a)(1), substituted period at end for “, except that a student who is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant in an amount that is equal to or greater than five percent of such Federal Pell Grant amount but less than ten percent of such Federal Pell Grant amount shall be awarded a Federal Pell grant in the amount of ten percent of such Federal Pell Grant amount.”

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(4), redesignated par. (6) as (5).

Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(2), struck out par. (5) which read as follows:

“(A) The Secretary shall award a student not more than two Federal Pell Grants during a single award year to permit such student to accelerate the student’s progress toward a degree or certificate if the student is enrolled—

“(i) on at least a half-time basis for a period of more than one academic year, or more than two semesters or an equivalent period of time, during a single award year; and

“(ii) in a program of instruction at an institution of higher education for which the institution awards an associate or baccalaureate degree or a certificate.

“(B) In the case of a student receiving more than one Federal Pell Grant in a single award year under subparagraph (A), the total amount of Federal Pell Grants awarded to such student for the award year may exceed the maximum basic grant level specified in the appropriate appropriations Act for such award year.”

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(4), redesignated par. (7) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (5).

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(4), redesignated par. (8) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (6).

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 112–74, § 309(f), amended cl. (iv) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iv) authorized appropriations for fiscal years 2011 to 2021 and succeeding fiscal years.

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 112–25, § 501(1), substituted “$13,183,000,000” for “$3,183,000,000”.

Subsec. (b)(7)(A)(iv)(III). Pub. L. 112–25, § 501(2), substituted “$7,000,000,000” for “$0”.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(4), redesignated par. (8) as (7).

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(iv). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(3)(A), amended cl. (iv) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iv) read as follows: “to carry out this section, $13,500,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.”

Subsec. (b)(8)(C)(i)(I), (ii)(I). Pub. L. 112–10, § 1860(a)(3)(B), substituted “clause (iv)(II)” for “clause (v)(II)”.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 112–74, § 309(a)(2), substituted “12” for “18” in two places and struck out at end “The provisions of this paragraph shall apply only to a student who receives a Federal Pell Grant for the first time on or after July 1, 2008.”

2010—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(1), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) established grant amounts for academic years 2009–2010 to 2014–2015.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(b)(1)(A), substituted “maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant award determined under paragraph (2)(A)” for “maximum basic grant level specified in the appropriate appropriation Act” and substituted “such Federal Pell Grant amount” for “such level” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(b)(1)(B), substituted “the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant award determined under paragraph (2)(A), for which a student is eligible during such award year” for “the grant level specified in the appropriate Appropriation Act for this subpart for such year”.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(2)(A)(i), struck out “, to carry out subparagraph (B) of this paragraph” after “are appropriated” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(iii) to (x). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(2)(A)(ii), added cls. (iii) and (iv) and struck out former cls. (iii) to (x), which appropriated additional funds for fiscal years 2010 to 2017.

Subsec. (b)(8)(B). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(2)(B)(i), substituted “clauses (i) through (iii) of subparagraph (A)” for “subparagraph (A)” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(8)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(2)(B)(ii), substituted “, 2011–2012, and 2012–2013” for “and 2011–2012”.

Subsec. (b)(8)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(2)(B)(iii), added cl. (iii) and struck out former cl. (iii) which read as follows: “$1,090 for award year 2012–2013.”

Subsec. (b)(8)(C). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2101(a)(2)(C), added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The Secretary shall only award an increased amount of a Federal Pell Grant under this section for any award year pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph to students who qualify for a Federal Pell Grant award under the maximum grant award enacted in the annual appropriation Act for such award year without regard to the provisions of this paragraph.”

2009—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 111–39, § 401(a)(2)(A), substituted “manner,” for “manner,,”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–39, § 401(a)(2)(B), made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to this section.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(ii), (iii). Pub. L. 111–5, which directed amendment of par. (9)(A) by substituting “$2,733,000,000” for “$2,090,000,000” in cl. (ii) and “$3,861,000,000” for “$3,030,000,000” in cl. (iii), was executed by making the substitutions in par. (8)(A) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (b)(8)(A)(vi), (viii). Pub. L. 111–39, § 401(a)(2)(C), which directed amendment of par. (9)(A) by substituting “$258,000,000” for “$105,000,000” in cl. (vi) and “$4,452,000,000” for “$4,400,000,000” in cl. (viii) effective Aug. 14, 2008, was executed by making the substitutions in par. (8)(A). Subsec. (b)(8) would have been subsec. (b)(9) on Aug. 14, 2008, but for the probable intent execution of the amendment by Pub. L. 110–84, § 101(a)(2). See 2007 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 111–39, § 401(a)(3), struck out par. (4) which attributed expected family contribution of zero to certain eligible students whose parent or guardian died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001. See section 1070h of this title.

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(B), which directed amendment of subsec. (b) by designating the pars. following par. (2), in the order in which such pars. appear, as pars. (3) through (8), was a technical correction to sequence of amendments by Pub. L. 110–84 and required no change in text. See 2007 Amendment notes below.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally, substituting Pell Grant amounts for academic years 2009 to 2015 for amounts for academic years 1999 to 2004.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(C), substituted “ten percent of the maximum basic grant level specified in the appropriate appropriation Act for such academic year, except that a student who is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant in an amount that is equal to or greater than five percent of such level but less than ten percent of such level shall be awarded a Federal Pell grant in the amount of ten percent of such level” for “$400, except that a student who is eligible for a Federal Pell Grant that is equal to or greater than $200 but less than $400 shall be awarded a Federal Pell Grant of $400”.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(D), added par. (5) and struck out former par. (5) which read: “The Secretary may allow, on a case-by-case basis, a student to receive 2 Pell grants during a single award year, if—

“(i) the student is enrolled full-time in an associate or baccalaureate degree program of study that is 2 years or longer at an eligible institution that is computed in credit hours; and

“(ii) the student completes course work toward completion of an associate or baccalaureate degree that exceeds the requirements for a full academic year as defined by the institution.

“(B) The Secretary shall promulgate regulations implementing this paragraph.”

Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(E), inserted before period at end “or who is subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or nonforcible sexual offense (as determined in accordance with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program)”.

Subsec. (b)(8)(D). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(F)(i), amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows:

“(D) Formula otherwise unaffected.—Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to alter the requirements of this section, or authorize the imposition of additional requirements, for the determination and allocation of Federal Pell Grants under this section.”

Subsec. (b)(8)(F). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(a)(1)(F)(ii), amended subpar. (F) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (F) read as follows:

“(F) Use of fiscal year funds for award years.—The amounts made available by subparagraph (A) for any fiscal year shall be available and remain available for use under subparagraph (B) for the award year that begins in such fiscal year.”

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(b), added par. (5).

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 110–315, § 103(b)(3), substituted “to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the authorizing committees” for “to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives”.

Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 110–315, § 401(c)(1), added par. (4).

2007—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–84, § 102(a), substituted “fiscal year 2017” for “fiscal year 2004”.

Subsec. (b)(3) to (7). Pub. L. 110–84, § 101(a), redesignated pars. (4) to (8) as (3) to (7), respectively, and struck out former par. (3) which related to the amount of a student’s basic grant for any academic year for which an appropriation Act provided a maximum basic grant of more than $2,700.

Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 110–84, § 101(a)(2), which directed redesignation of par. (9) as (8), was executed by redesignating the par. (9) enacted by Pub. L. 110–84, § 102(b), as (8) to reflect the probable intent of Congress. See below. Former par. (8) redesignated (7).

Subsec. (b)(9). Pub. L. 110–84, § 102(b), added par. (9).

1998—Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(A), substituted “Federal Pell” for “Basic educational opportunity” in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant”.

Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(a), substituted “For each fiscal year through fiscal year 2004, the Secretary shall” for “The Secretary shall, during the period beginning July 1, 1972, and ending September 30, 1998,” and inserted “until such time as the Secretary determines and publishes in the Federal Register with an opportunity for comment, an alternative payment system that provides payments to institutions in an accurate and timely manner,” after “pay eligible students”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(B), substituted “Grants made” for “Basic grants made”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(b), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: “The amount of the basic grant for a student eligible under this part shall be—

“(i) $3,700 for academic year 1993–1994,

“(ii) $3,900 for academic year 1994–1995,

“(iii) $4,100 for academic year 1995–1996,

“(iv) $4,300 for academic year 1996–1997, and

“(v) $4,500 for academic year 1997–1998,

less an amount equal to the amount determined to be the expected family contribution with respect to that student for that year.”

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(c), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows:

“(3)(A) For any academic year for which an appropriation Act provides a maximum basic grant in an amount in excess of $2,400, the amount of a student’s basic grant shall equal $2,400 plus—

“(i) one-half of the amount by which such maximum basic grant exceeds $2,400; plus

“(ii) the lesser of—

“(I) the remaining one-half of such excess; or

“(II) the sum of the student’s tuition and the student’s allowance determined under subparagraph (B), if applicable.

“(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii)(II), a student’s allowance is $750 if the student has dependent care expenses (as defined in section 1087ll(8) of this title) or disability related expenses (as defined in section 1087ll(9) of this title).”

Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(d), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (b)(7), (8). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant” wherever appearing.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(D), substituted “Federal Pell Grants” for “basic grants”.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(e), added par. (4).

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(D), substituted “Federal Pell Grants” for “basic grants”.

Subsecs. (d)(2), (f)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(3)(C), substituted “Federal Pell Grant” for “basic grant”.

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(g)(4), substituted “Education and the Workforce” for “Education and Labor”.

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–244, § 401(f), added subsec. (j).

1994—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 103–322 amended par. (8) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (8) read as follows:

“(8)(A) No basic grant shall be awarded to an incarcerated student under this subpart that exceeds the sum of the amount of tuition and fees normally assessed by the institution of higher education for the course of study such student is pursuing plus an allowance (determined in accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary) for books and supplies associated with such course of study, except that no basic grant shall be awarded to any incarcerated student serving under sentence of death or any life sentence without eligibility for parole or release.

“(B) Basic grants under this subpart shall only be awarded to incarcerated individuals in a State if such grants are used to supplement and not supplant the level of postsecondary education assistance provided by such State to incarcerated individuals in fiscal year 1988.”

1993—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(b)(1), inserted before period at end of second sentence “, except that this sentence shall not be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to place an institution on a reimbursement system of payment”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(k)(1), amended directory language of Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(2)(A). See 1992 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(b)(2)–(4), substituted “single award year” for “single 12-month period” in introductory provisions, “an associate or baccalaureate” for “a baccalaureate” in subpar. (A), and “an associate or baccalaureate” for “a bachelor’s” in subpar. (B).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(b)(5), substituted “subtitle D of title V” for “part D of title V”.

1992—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(a), substituted “September 30, 1998” for “September 30, 1992” and “subsection (b)” for “paragraph (2)”.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(b), substituted “Federal Pell Grants” for “Pell Grants”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(c), struck out “(A) as determined under paragraph (2), will meet 60 percent of a student’s cost of attendance (as defined in section 1070a–6 of this title); and (B)” after “basic grant that” and substituted “family and student” for “parental or independent student”, “subparts 3 and 4” for “subparts 2 and 3”, and “will meet at least 75 percent” for “will meet 75 percent”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i) to (v). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(1), added cls. (i) to (v) and struck out former cls. (i) to (v) which read as follows:

“(i) $2,300 for academic year 1987–1988,

“(ii) $2,500 for academic year 1988–1989,

“(iii) $2,700 for academic year 1989–1990,

“(iv) $2,900 for academic year 1990–1991, and

“(v) $3,100 for academic year 1991–1992,”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(2)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 103–208, § 2(k)(1), inserted “(including a student who attends an institution of higher education on less than a half-time basis)” in first sentence after “full-time basis” the first time appearing.

Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(2)(B), inserted “, computed in accordance with this subpart” before period at end of first sentence.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(3), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: “The amount of a basic grant to which a student is entitled under this subpart for any academic year shall not exceed 60 percent of the cost of attendance (as defined in section 1070a–6 of this title) at the institution at which the student is in attendance for that year.”

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(4), substituted “section 1087ll” for “section 1070a–6”.

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(5), substituted “$400, except that a student who is eligible for a basic grant that is equal to or greater than $200 but less than $400 shall be awarded a basic grant of $400” for “$200”.

Subsec. (b)(6) to (8). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(d)(6), added pars. (6) to (8) and struck out former pars. (6) and (7) which limited or prohibited basic grants from funds appropriated for fiscal years prior to 1992 to students attending on a less than half-time basis.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(e)(1), substituted “any period during which the student is enrolled in a noncredit or remedial course of study as defined in paragraph (2) shall not be counted for the purpose of this paragraph.” for “—

“(A) such period may not exceed the full-time equivalent of—

“(i) 5 academic years in the case of an undergraduate degree or certificate program normally requiring 4 years or less;

“(ii) 6 academic years in the case of an undergraduate degree or certificate program normally requiring more than 4 years;

“(B) any period during which the student is enrolled in a noncredit or remedial course of study as defined in paragraph (2) shall not be counted for the purpose of subparagraph (A); and

“(C) an institution of higher education at which the student is in attendance may waive subparagraph (A) for undue hardship based on—

“(i) the death of a relative of the student;

“(ii) the personal injury or illness of the student; or

“(iii) special circumstances as determined by the institution.”

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(e)(2), inserted at end “Nothing in this section shall exclude from eligibility programs of study abroad that are approved for credit by the home institution at which the student is enrolled.”

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(f)(1), substituted “, as a part of its regular output document, the expected family contribution” for “an estimate of the eligibility index” in introductory provisions and “expected family contribution” for “eligibility index” in subpars. (A), (B), and (D).

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(f)(2), substituted “expected family contribution” for “eligibility index”.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(g), struck out “Adjustments for” before “insufficient appropriations” in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

“(1) If, for any fiscal year, the funds appropriated for payments under this subpart are insufficient to satisfy fully all entitlements, as calculated under subsection (b) of this section, the amount paid with respect to each entitlement shall be—

“(A) the full amount for any student whose expected family contribution is $200 or less, or

“(B) a percentage of that entitlement, as determined in accordance with a schedule of reductions established by the Secretary for this purpose, for any student whose expected family contribution is more than $200.

“(2) Any schedule established by the Secretary for the purpose of paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection shall contain a single linear reduction formula in which the percentage reduction increases uniformly as the entitlement decreases, and shall provide that if an entitlement is reduced to less than $100, no payment shall be made.”

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–325, § 401(h), substituted “Treatment of institutions and students under other laws” for “Noncontractor status of institutions” in heading and inserted at end of text “Recipients of Pell Grants shall not be considered to be individual grantees for purposes of part D of title V of Public Law 100–690.”

1987—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 100–50 substituted “paragraph (1)(B)” for “paragraph (1)”.

Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 83001(b)(2), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 350, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 2026.”

Pub. L. 119–21, title VIII, § 83002(c), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 352, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1088 of this title] shall take effect on July 1, 2026, and shall apply with respect to award year 2026–2027 and each succeeding award year.”

Pub. L. 118–40, div. B, § 101(d), Mar. 1, 2024, 138 Stat. 18, provided that: “The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1087oo of this title] shall take effect and apply as if included in the FAFSA Simplification Act [title VII of div. FF of Pub. L. 116–260] and in accordance with section 701(b) of such Act, as amended by section 102(a) of the FAFSA Simplification Act Technical Corrections Act (division R of Public Law 117–103) (including the authorization provided under section 102(c)(1)(A) of such Act [set out in a note below]).”

Pub. L. 117–103, div. R, § 103(d), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 821, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) [amending this section and sections 1087ll and 1087uu–2 of this title and repealing section 1070h of this title] shall take effect as if included in the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260 [see Tables for classification]) and subject to the effective date of section 701(b) of such Act [20 U.S.C. 1001 note], as amended by this division (including the authorization provided under section 102(c)(1)(A) [see On-Time Effective Date Permitted note below]).”

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–260 effective July 1, 2024, except as otherwise expressly provided, and applicable with respect to award year 2024–2025 and each subsequent award year, as determined under this chapter, see section 701(b) of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Amendment by section 309(a) of Pub. L. 112–74 effective July 1, 2012, see section 309(g) of Pub. L. 112–74, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Pub. L. 112–10, div. B, title VIII, § 1860(b), Apr. 15, 2011, 125 Stat. 170, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to the 2011–2012 award year and succeeding award years.”

Pub. L. 111–152, title II, § 2101(c), Mar. 30, 2010, 124 Stat. 1073, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and sections 1070a–14, 1085, 1090, 1092f, and 1161y of this title] shall take effect on July 1, 2010.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–39 effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–315 (Aug. 14, 2008), see section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, § 401(a)(2), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3189, provided that:“(A)In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 2009.“(B)Special rule.—The amendments made by subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug 14, 2008].”

Pub. L. 110–315, title IV, § 401(c)(2), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3190, provided that: “The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall take effect on July 1, 2009.”

Pub. L. 110–84, § 1(c), Sept. 27, 2007, 121 Stat. 784, provided that: “Except as otherwise expressly provided, the amendments made by this Act [enacting subpart 9 of this part and sections 1098e, 1098f, 1099d, 1099e, and 1141 of this title, amending this section and sections 1070a–13, 1077a, 1078, 1078–3, 1085, 1087–1, 1087e, 1087h, 1087dd, 1087ff, 1087oo to 1087tt, and 1087vv of this title, repealing section 1078–9 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1078 of this title] shall be effective on October 1, 2007.”

Pub. L. 110–84, title I, § 101(b), Sept. 27, 2007, 121 Stat. 784, provided that: “The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to determinations of Federal Pell Grant amounts for award years beginning on or after July 1, 2007.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Pub. L. 103–322, title II, § 20411(b), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1828, provided that: “The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to periods of enrollment beginning on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 13, 1994].”

Amendment by section 2(b)(1), (3)–(5), (k)(1) of Pub. L. 103–208 effective as if included in the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, and amendment by section 2(b)(2) of Pub. L. 103–208 effective on and after Dec. 20, 1993, see section 5(a), (b)(2) of Pub. L. 103–208, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.

Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, § 410, July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 510, provided that: “The changes made in part A of title IV of the Act [20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.] by the amendments made by this part [part A (§§ 401–410) of title IV of Pub. L. 102–325, see Tables for classification] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [July 23, 1992], except—“(1) as otherwise provided in such part A;“(2) that the changes made in section 411 [this section], relating to Pell Grants, shall apply to the awarding of Pell Grants for periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1993; and“(3) that the changes in section 413C(a)(2) [20 U.S.C. 1070b–2(a)(2)], relating to the Federal share for the supplemental educational opportunity grant program, shall apply to funds provided for such program for the award years beginning on or after July 1, 1993.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–50 effective as if enacted as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–498, see section 27 of Pub. L. 100–50, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Section effective Oct. 17, 1986, except as otherwise provided, see section 2 of Pub. L. 99–498, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, § 401(b)(3), (4), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1353, provided that:“(3) Section 411(c) of the Act [20 U.S.C. 1070a(c)] as amended by this section shall apply only to individuals who receive a Pell Grant for the first time for a period of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1987.“(4) Section 411(f) of the Act [20 U.S.C. 1070a(f)] as amended by this section shall apply to the awarding of Pell Grants for periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1987.”

Pub. L. 117–103, div. R, § 102(c), Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 819, provided that:“(1)In general.—Notwithstanding section 701(b) of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116–260 [see Tables for classification]) [20 U.S.C. 1001 note], as amended by this division, the Secretary of Education—“(A) may implement on or after July 1, 2023, but not later than, July 1, 2024, the amendments made by—“(i) section 702(b) of the FAFSA Simplification Act [amending sections 1087ll and 1087mm of this title] regarding cost of attendance;“(ii) section 702(i) of such Act [amending section 1087tt of this title] regarding discretion of student financial aid administrators;“(iii) section 702(l) of such Act [enacting section 1087uu–2 of this title and amending section 1087vv of this title] regarding special rules for independent students and definitions; and“(iv) section 703 of such Act [amending this section] regarding only the period of eligibility for grants under subsection (d) of section 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1070a(d)], as amended by the FAFSA Simplification Act; and“(B) shall specify in a designation on what date and for which award years the implementation of amendments described in subparagraph (A) are effective on or after July 1, 2023, and prior to July 1, 2024, and shall publish any designation under this paragraph in the Federal Register not less than 60 days before implementation.“(2)Student aid index as expected family contribution.—For purposes of implementing the amendments described in paragraph (1)(A) before July 1, 2024, the term ‘student aid index’ as it appears in such amendments to the Higher Education Act of 1965 shall mean ‘expected family contribution’, as calculated under part F of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 1087kk et seq.], as in effect on the date of the implementation.”

Pub. L. 99–498, title XIII, § 1306, Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1582, directed Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress not later than Sept. 30, 1988, on the number of less than half-time students who would be eligible for Pell grants by reason of having an expected family contribution of $0 and of $0–$200 for the appropriate academic years, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–332, § 6(a), Oct. 31, 1998, 112 Stat. 3127.

Provisions limiting the maximum Pell grant that a student may receive were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 119–75, div. B, title III, Feb. 3, 2026, 140 Stat. 300.

Pub. L. 118–47, div. D, title III, Mar. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 687.

Pub. L. 117–328, div. H, title III, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4893.

Pub. L. 117–103, div. H, title III, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 480.

Pub. L. 116–260, div. H, title III, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1603.

Pub. L. 116–94, div. A, title III, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2591.

Pub. L. 115–245, div. B, title III, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 3101.

Pub. L. 115–141, div. H, title III, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 746.

Pub. L. 115–31, div. H, title III, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 549.

Pub. L. 114–113, div. H, title III, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2635.

Pub. L. 113–235, div. G, title III, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2501.

Pub. L. 113–76, div. H, title III, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 396.

Pub. L. 112–74, div. F, title III, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 1097.

Pub. L. 112–10, div. B, title VIII, § 1839(b), Apr. 15, 2011, 125 Stat. 165.

Pub. L. 111–242, § 218, as added Pub. L. 112–4, par. (2), Mar. 2, 2011, 125 Stat. 11.

Pub. L. 111–242, § 164(b), as added Pub. L. 111–322, title I, § 1(a)(2), Dec. 22, 2010, 124 Stat. 3521.

Pub. L. 111–117, div. D, title III, Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3267.

Pub. L. 111–8, div. F, title III, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 789.

Pub. L. 111–5, div. A, title VIII, Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 183.

Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, title III, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2195.

Pub. L. 109–289, div. B, title II, § 20633(b), as added by Pub. L. 110–5, § 2, Feb. 15, 2007, 121 Stat. 36.

Pub. L. 109–149, title III, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2868.

Pub. L. 108–447, div. F, title III, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3148.

Pub. L. 108–199, div. E, title III, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 261.

Pub. L. 108–7, div. G, title III, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 330.

Pub. L. 107–116, title III, Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2205.

Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(1) [title III], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–37.

Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(4) [title III], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1535, 1501A–251.

Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(f) [title III], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681–369.

Pub. L. 105–78, title III, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1501.

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(e) [title III], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–233, 3009–257.

Pub. L. 104–134, title I, § 101(d) [title III], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–211, 1321–232; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, § 1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327.

Pub. L. 104–99, title I, § 119, Jan. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 30, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–134, title I, § 101(d) [title V, § 518], Apr. 26, 1996, 110 Stat. 1321–211, 1321–248; renumbered title I, Pub. L. 104–140, § 1(a), May 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 1327.

Pub. L. 103–333, title III, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2564.

Pub. L. 103–112, title III, Oct. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 1104.

Pub. L. 102–394, title III, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1816.

Pub. L. 102–170, title III, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1131.

Pub. L. 101–517, title III, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2212.

Pub. L. 101–166, title III, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1182.

Pub. L. 100–436, title III, Sept. 20, 1988, 102 Stat. 1704.

Pub. L. 100–202, § 101(h) [title III], Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1329–256, 1329–279.