Official account of Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Dept. of Education. We provide grants, loans, & work-study funds for college or career school.
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ALT The new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) and Tiered Standard Plan are now available! To apply for RAP, visit StudentAid.gov/idr If you have federal student loans disbursed (paid out) on or after July 1, 2026, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the Tiered Standard Plan once you enter repayment unless you select a different plan, like RAP. StudentAid.gov/bigupdates
ALT Tips for Scholarship Success Check for scholarships at your school, in your community, and your state. Learn who can apply for each scholarship and pay special attention to when applications are due. Get prepared by filling out your FAFSA form early and having your transcripts, a photo, and at least one letter of recommendation ready to go. Ask several people to look over your essay and give you feedback.
ALT Why Didn’t I Receive a Federal Pell Grant?
ALT Your financial information: If your FAFSA form doesn’t demonstrate that you have a high financial need, you might not receive a Federal Pell Grant. Your school’s cost of attendance: If you’re attending a school with a lower cost of attendance, you might not receive the maximum Pell Grant amount. You completed a bachelor’s degree or are a graduate student: Most students who have a bachelor’s degree or are a graduate student are ineligible for Pell Grants.
ALT Your grades slipped or you didn’t complete enough credits: To remain eligible to receive a Pell Grant each year, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress for that year. Your lifetime eligibility used: You can’t receive Pell Grant money for more than 12 terms (six years). Once you reach the lifetime limit, you’re ineligible for additional Pell Grants.
ALT How To Pay for School Without a Federal Pell Grant? Scholarships, federal student loans, Federal Work-Study, and private student loans (review pros and cons before borrowing).
ALT Guidance for Transferring Schools Speak with an admissions advisor about which credits will satisfy program requirements Contact your new school about a potential limit to which credits can transfer Check to see if your new school uses the FAFSA form to offer financial aid Update your FAFSA form with your new college’s information
ALT Changes coming to Federal Student Loans On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, resulting in changes to the federal student aid programs.
ALT Qualifying PSLF Plans If you're pursuing Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), RAP is a qualifying repayment plan for PSLF. Payments under the Tiered Standard Plan won't count toward PSLF.
