Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, provides financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students based on their Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Unlike a loan, a Pell Grant does not require repayment.
If you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, it will be included in your financial aid offer from Dallas Baptist University and applied directly toward eligible education expenses.
How to Apply
To determine your eligibility for the Pell Grant, you must complete the FAFSA application each academic year. Be sure to include Dallas Baptist University's school code: 003560.
How Pell Grant Awards Are Determined
- Student Aid Index (SAI): Based on the information submitted in the FAFSA.
- Enrollment Status: Pell Grant amounts are prorated according to the number of credits you are enrolled in for the term.
- Adjustments: The grant amount may be adjusted if you change your enrollment status (for example, by adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses).
- Final Award: The Pell Grant award is finalized based on your enrollment status as of the official add/drop or census date for the term.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- Submit a FAFSA application for the correct academic year.
- If selected for verification, submit all required documents and complete verification before the Pell Grant is awarded.
- Students may see an estimated Pell amount in their award package; however, this amount is not finalized until verification and enrollment status are confirmed.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by Dallas Baptist University.
- Be enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate program at DBU.
- Be an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
Award Amounts & Limits
Federal law limits the total amount of Pell Grant funds you can receive during your lifetime. You can receive Pell Grant funding for up to the equivalent of six years (12 full-time semesters) of full-time study. Each year of full-time study counts as 100% of your eligibility. In some cases, students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant for an award year (commonly referred to as “Year-Round Pell”), but total lifetime eligibility is limited to 600%.
Maximum Pell Grant amounts are subject to change each year and are determined by U.S. Congress.
The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2026-2027 academic year is $7,395.