Pell Grant eligibility
The FAFSA determines whether the student qualifies for the Maximum Pell Grant based on a parent’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in the base year, family size and state of residence. When the parent’s AGI is at or below the limit based on marital status and family size, the student qualifies for the Maximum Pell Grant. The Maximum Pell Grant is determined annually by Congress, and the amount for the 2025-26 Award Year is $7,395.
In addition to receiving the Maximum Pell Grant, the student is also assigned a Student Aid Index (SAI) equal to $0. As well, neither student nor parent assets will be included in the calculation of the Student Aid Index.
This table provides the parent income limits for a dependent student for the three FAFSA cycles: 2025-26 FAFSA, 2026-2027 FAFSA and 2027-28 FAFSA.
2025-26 FAFSA Income Limits
by marital status and family size for the lower 48 states
| Family size | unmarried parent with 2023 AGI at or below | Married parent with 2023 AGI at or below |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $44,370 | N/A |
| 3 | $55,935 | $43,505 |
| 4 | $67,500 | $52,500 |
| 5 | $79,065 | $61,495 |
| 6 | $90,630 | $70,490 |
| 7 | $102,195 | $79,485 |
| 8 | $113,760 | $88,480 |
| For an unmarried parent, the AGI threshold is based on 225% of the 2023 federal poverty level, given family size. | For married parents, the AGI threshold is based on 175% of the 2023 federal poverty level, given family size. |
TIP: Your Adjusted Gross Income can be found on your personal tax return, 1040, line 11.
2026-27 FAFSA Income Limits
by marital status and family size for the lower 48 states.
| Family size | unmarried parent with 2024 AGI at or below | Married parent with 2024 AGI at or below |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $45,990 | N/A |
| 3 | $56,880 | $44,240 |
| 4 | $70,200 | $54,600 |
| 5 | $82,305 | $64,015 |
| 6 | $94,410 | $73,430 |
| 7 | $106,515 | $82,845 |
| 8 | $118,620 | $92,260 |
| For an unmarried parent, the AGI threshold is based on 225% of the 2024 federal poverty level, given family size. | For married parents, the AGI threshold is based on 175% of the 2024 federal poverty level, given family size. |
2027-28 FAFSA Income Limits
by marital status and family size for the lower 48 states
| Family size | unmarried parent with 2024 AGI at or below | Married parent with 2024 AGI at or below |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $47,588 | N/A |
| 3 | $59,963 | $46,638 |
| 4 | $72,338 | $56,263 |
| 5 | $84,713 | $65,888 |
| 6 | $97,088 | $75,313 |
| 7 | $109,463 | $85,138 |
| 8 | $121,838 | $94,763 |
| For an unmarried parent, the AGI threshold is based on 225% of the 2025 federal poverty level, given family size. | For married parents, the AGI threshold is based on 175% of the 2025 federal poverty level, given family size. |