Federal Pell Grant

Federal grants are a form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid, making them one of the most valuable resources for funding your education at York College. This page provides an overview of the different types of federal grants available—such as the Pell Grant—along with eligibility requirements and how awards are determined. Be sure to complete your FAFSA on time to be considered for these need-based opportunities.

On this page you will find:

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to eligible undergraduate students who have not earned a first bachelor’s degree or professional certificate. Pell Grant funds may be used to:

  • Pay tuition and fees
  • Does not need to be repaid
  • Purchase books and supplies
  • Cover transportation or other educational expenses

For the current academic year, Pell Grant awards range from:

  • Minimum for the year: $740
  • Maximum for the year: $7,395 (for full-time enrollment)
  • For more information on enrollment intensity, review our Awarding Criteria webpage.

Your Pell Award depends on:

  • Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
  • Your Enrollment Status (full-time, part-time, etc.)

Students are limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters (or part-time equivalent) of Pell.

You may file the FAFSA beginning October 1, before the academic year you plan to attend. For assistance, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.

Pell Grant & Health Science Occupational Therapy BS/MS

If you are enrolled in the Health Science Occupational Therapy BS/MS (OCCTH-BSMS) program at York College, your Federal Pell Grant eligibility depends on your academic level.

Students in the combined BS/MS program complete both undergraduate and graduate requirements over approximately 5.5 years. Your financial aid eligibility changes when your academic status changes from undergraduate to graduate.

  • While you are classified as an undergraduate student and are completing undergraduate coursework toward your bachelor's degree, you may continue to receive a Federal Pell Grant, provided you meet all other eligibility requirements, including filing the FAFSA, maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), having remaining Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU), and qualifying based on your Student Aid Index (SAI).
  • Once you begin taking graduate-level coursework as part of the BS/MS program, you are no longer eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Federal Pell Grants are available only to eligible undergraduate students.
  • After your status changes to the graduate portion of the program, you may be eligible for other forms of financial aid available to graduate students, such as Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, if you meet the applicable eligibility requirements.

Financial Aid Census Date

The Financial Aid Census Date is the date York College reviews your enrollment to determine your financial aid eligibility. The number of credits you are enrolled in on the census date may affect the amount of federal, state, and institutional financial aid you receive. To avoid unexpected changes to your financial aid, please make sure your class schedule is finalized before the applicable census date.

Financial Aid Census Dates

  • Summer 2026: July 14, 2026
  • Fall 2026: September 3, 2026
  • Winter/Spring 2027: February 3, 2027

Students who are considering adding or dropping classes should contact the Office of Financial Aid before making changes to their schedule.

Lifetime Pell Eligibility (LEU)

The Lifetime Pell Eligibility (LEU) is 600% (equivalent to 12 full-time semesters).

Credits

LEU %

12 or more

50%

11.5

48%

11

46%

10.5

44%

10

41.5%

9.5

39.5%

9

37.5%

8.5

35.5%

8

33.5%

7.5

31.5%

7

29%

6.5

27%

6

25%

5.5

23%

5

21%

4.5

19%

4

16.5%

3.5

14.5%

3

12.5%

2.5

10.5%

2

8.5%

1.5

6.5%

1

4%

0.5

2%

Revised: August 3, 2026