Pell Grants For Trade School: Eligibility & Requirements 2025

Pell grants allow students to pursue higher education without inviting debt. About 34% of undergraduate students in the U.S. receive Pell Grants. These grants are distributed by the U.S. Department of Education and do not need to be repaid � except in a few specific circumstances.

The amount you receive for your Pell Grant depends on your financial need. The average Pell Grant award for a student in a public two-year institution, including trade schools, is $4,414. However, the maximum award amount is currently $7,395.

Many of the best trade schools throughout the U.S. accept Pell Grants. Keep reading to learn more about using federal grants for trade schools.

Pell Grants for Trade School

The Pell Grant is one of the best options for students to reduce their tuition costs. It's a need-based grant offered through the federal government's Department of Education (ED).

Students are not required to pay back the Pell Grant, except in certain situations. Below, we've broken down the key points you need to know about using Pell Grants for trade school.

Can I Use the Federal Pell Grant for Trade School?

Yes, you can use federal grants for trade school � this includes the Pell Grant. According to the ED's Federal Student Aid website, ''Pell Grant funds can be used to pay for school-related expenses at eligible two-year community colleges, career schools, trade schools, online schools, and four-year colleges and universities.''

In order to use the Pell Grant, your school must be accredited through an ED-approved accreditation agency. Most trade schools are accredited, but some are not. It's important to check the accreditation of your trade school program before you enroll.

How Do Pell Grants Work?

Because Pell Grants are a type of federal financial aid, there is no separate application. You just need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

When you submit all the required information on your FAFSA form, the U.S. Department of Education and the schools you listed will calculate your financial need. If you're accepted to the schools, you'll receive student aid offer letters that list the types and amounts of student aid that are available for you, including a Pell Grant if you're eligible.

You can typically receive a Pell Grant for a total of six years. You'll need to resubmit your FAFSA each year, and the amount you receive can change from year to year.

Typically, Pell Grants do not require repayment except in specific circumstances. These can include withdrawing from your program early or changing your enrollment status in a way that reduces your eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria for 2025-2026

The Pell Grant Program is open primarily to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Sometimes students enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teaching program qualify as well.

There are a few other basic eligibility requirements as well, including:

• be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
• have, or are in the process of completing, a high school diploma or equivalent
• have a valid Social Security number
• enroll in a program that accepts the Pell Grant
• maintain satisfactory academic progress

Maximum Award Amount for 2025-2026

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2025-2026 school year is $7,395; however, the amount you get depends on a few factors, including:

• your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is based on your FAFSA
• the cost of attendance for your school and program
• whether you're a full-time or part-time student
• whether you attend for a full academic year or less

In certain situations, an eligible student can receive up to 150% of their scheduled Pell Grant money for an award year. Contact your financial aid office to learn more.

Tips for Maximizing Pell Grant Benefits

In some circumstances, the Pell Grant can provide enough financial assistance to cover your entire program at a trade, technical, or vocational school. Even if it doesn't cover the whole amount, it can still cover quite a bit. There are a few things you can do to maximize the education benefits from your Pell Grant.

• First, ensure you maintain satisfactory academic progress so you can keep receiving your grants for trade school. The conditions for satisfactory academic progress vary by institution, so check with your school to find out their requirements.
• Keep track of how many semesters you've used your grant. You can typically use it for 12 full semesters, or about six years total. Tracking your Pell Grant usage ensures you know exactly how much you have left.
• To make the most of your Pell Grant, combine it with other types of financial aid, like other grant and scholarship programs.

Changes and Updates for 2025-2026

In the 2024-2025 school year, FAFSA simplified its Pell Grant guidelines � and that change continues for the 2025-2026 school year.

Through these guidelines, students living in a single-parent household with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than or equal to 225% of the poverty guideline automatically qualify for the maximum Pell Grant.

For those who don't automatically qualify for the maximum Pell Grant, eligibility is determined based on the student's SAI. This depends on multiple factors, including:

• AGI
• expected family contribution (EFC)
• your family size

Through the new guidelines, students who do not qualify based on these two parameters may still qualify for the minimum Pell Grant if the household AGI is less than or equal to 325% for single-parent households and less than or equal to 275% for two-parent households.

FAFSA & Other Financial Aid For Trade School

Students who use financial aid for trade school could have the entire cost of their educational programs covered. Below, we've broken down additional topics students should know about using financial aid programs to cover trade or technical school.

FAFSA for Trade School

Completing the FAFSA is crucial for trade school students seeking financial aid. It is used to assess financial need and eligibility for various forms of aid, including Pell Grants.

Trade schools are often less expensive than four-year institutions, but most students still can't pay their full tuition directly out of pocket. All students, regardless of income status, should fill out the FAFSA.

Many schools require the FAFSA to be completed, or for students to have some sort of financial plan in place before registering for courses. So, it's best to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible.

Grants For Trade School

Many states offer grant or scholarship programs to eligible students, including those attending trade schools. These include:

• Alaska: Alaska Education Grant
• California: California College Promise Grant and the CalGrant
• Connecticut: Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT)
• Hawai'i: Hawai'i Promise Scholarship
• Idaho: Idaho Launch
• Iowa: Future Ready Iowa
• Kansas: Kansas Promise Act Scholarship
• Kentucky: Work Ready Scholarship Program
• Louisiana: M.J. Foster Promise Program
• Maine: Free College Scholarship
• Maryland: Community College Promise Scholarship
• Massachusetts: MassEducate
• Michigan: Michigan Reconnect
• Minnesota: North Star Promise
• Mississippi: Higher Education Legislative Plan
• Nevada: Nevada Promise Scholarship
• New York: Excelsior Scholarship
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma's Promise
• Oregon: Oregon Promise Grant
• Tennessee: Tennessee Promise
• Washington: Washington College Grant
• West Virginia: WV Invests Grant

Additionally, you can often find scholarships and grants for specific types of training programs (e.g., cosmetology or welding).

Special Considerations for Trade School Students Seeking Federal Aid

Students who are looking for aid and federal grants for trade school should keep in mind that there are a few things that can affect how much aid they receive for their education. These include:

• Enrollment: If you're a part-time student, you may not receive as much funding as you would if you were a full-time student.
• Program length: Eligibility for federal financial aid can depend on how long your program is; a nine-month training program may qualify for less funding than a two-year program.
• Program type: Many vocational programs qualify for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid, but not all. Check with your school's financial aid office to verify that you can use financial aid.
• School: The trade school you choose must be an accredited school. You can find a school's accreditation through the school website or by searching the school on the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator tool.

FAQs About Using Pell Grants for Trade School

Financial aid can be overwhelming. To help clear up some confusion, we've answered some frequently asked questions below.

Can I Use a Pell Grant for Any Trade School?

While you can use the Pell Grant at most trade schools, you cannot use it at all schools. The school must be accredited and it must accept federal financial aid. You can typically find out more information about financial aid on the school's website.

How Often Do I Need to Apply for a Pell Grant?

To maintain eligibility for the Pell Grant, you will need to file your FAFSA every year that you are seeking financial aid. There is no separate application for the Pell Grant; once you fill out the FAFSA, you will be notified if you qualify and for how much.

What Happens if My Financial Situation Changes?

Most of the information on your FAFSA form can't be updated because it must be accurate as of the day you originally signed and submitted your form. You'll have to wait until you fill out the FAFSA the following year to update your financial information.

If you've experienced a significant change in your finances after your FAFSA has been processed, speak to your financial aid office. They will be able to help you navigate your options.

Can I Receive a Pell Grant if I Already Have a Bachelor's Degree?

In most circumstances, Pell Grants are just for students who have not already obtained their bachelor's degree. In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.

If you're in this type of program and want to know if you qualify for Pell Grant funds, fill out the FAFSA and reach out to your school's financial aid office.

Are There Any Grants for Trade Schools in Texas?

There are a few grant and financial aid opportunities available to Texas students. Some are specifically for trade or technical schools, while others are for all undergraduate students. They include:

• Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)
• Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG)
• Future Occupations & Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan

Explore Trade Programs

Find the right trade program by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about your financial aid options.