A Pell Grant is a federal financial aid subsidy provided by the U.S. government to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not have to be repaid except in certain rare circumstances

. Key features of the Pell Grant include:

• It is designed to assist students from low-income households to pay for college-related expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, and living costs

• Eligibility is determined primarily through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which calculates the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on financial information

• Students with family incomes up to about $65,000 may qualify, but most recipients come from families earning less than $30,000

• The grant amount varies depending on financial need, the cost of attendance at the chosen institution, and enrollment status, with awards ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $6,000 annually

• Students can receive Pell Grants until they complete their first bachelor's degree or use up the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters of funding

• The program serves millions of students nationwide and is considered the foundation of federal student aid packages

In summary, the Pell Grant is a need-based, non-repayable federal grant aimed at helping low-income undergraduate students afford postsecondary education