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Federal Student Aid Programs

Pell Grant Awards

For academic year 2025-2026, the Pell Grant award amount ranges from a minimum of $740 to a maximum of $7395. Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid. Pell grants are awarded to undergraduate students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The amount of your Federal Pell Grant depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), your cost of attendance (as determined by the school for your specific program), your status as a full-time or part-time student, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less.

 In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150 percent of his or her scheduled Pell Grant award for an award year.

 Please note that you can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 terms full-time terms or the equivalent (roughly six years). You’ll receive a notice if you’re getting close to your limit.

 Federal Direct Loans – Subsidized & Unsubsidized

Students may borrow loan funds directly from the federal government to help cover the costs of college. Like all other loans, these loans must be repaid with interest within a specified period of time after the student graduates or leaves college for any reason.

 Direct Loan Entrance & Exit Counseling

All federal student loan recipients are required to complete:

  • Entrance Counseling before receiving the first disbursement of a Direct Loan

  • Exit Counseling before graduating, leaving college, or dropping below half-time enrollment

 These are mandatory online sessions that inform students about their rights and responsibilities as borrowers. Visit https://studentaid.gov to complete your Entrance and Exit Counseling.

 Federal Loan Servicers & Repayment Resources

After borrowing, you will be assigned a federal loan servicer who will provide billing and repayment support. You can find your loan servicer and access repayment tools by logging into https://studentaid.gov.

 Students are strongly encouraged to review available loan forgiveness, repayment, and consolidation options, including:

  • Income-Driven Repayment Plans

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

  • Fresh Start for Defaulted Loans

For personalized loan counseling, contact the Hostos Financial Aid Office.