Year-Round and Summer Pell
Eligible students can receive an additional bonus Pell for an additional term within the academic year. This can allow you to stay on track for graduation or even to complete your bachelor's degree early. However, to earn your bonus Pell you have to be registered for at least six credits (for summer, this can be three credits in summer session I and three credits in summer session II) within your additional term.
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ credits | 12+ credits | Bonus Pell—must register for at least 6 credits |
What if I Was Not Registered Full Time in Either Fall or Spring?
While you may not be eligible for the bonus Pell, you still have left over Pell eligibility. Use the chart below to see how many credits you can register for this summer, and leftover Pell does not require a six-credit minimum to be utilized this summer.
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ credits | 9–11 credits | 1–5 credits of Pell remaining |
| 12+ credits | 6–8 credits | 6–8 credits of Pell remaining |
| 12+ credits | 1–5 credits | 9–11 credits of Pell remaining |
| 12+ credits | 0 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 9–11 credits | 12+ credits | 1–5 credits of Pell remaining |
| 9–11 credits | 9–11 credits | 6–8 credits of Pell remaining |
| 9–11 credits | 6–8 credits | 9–11 credits of Pell remaining |
| 9–11 credits | 1–5 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 9–11 credits | 0 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 6–8 credits | 12+ credits | 6–8 credits of Pell remaining |
| 6–8 credits | 9–11 credits | 9–11 credits of Pell remaining |
| 6–8 credits | 6–8 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 6–8 credits | 1–5 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 6–8 credits | 0 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 1–5 credits | 12+ credits | 9–11 credits of Pell remaining |
| 1–5 credits | 9–11 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 1–5 credits | 6–8 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 1–5 credits | 1–5 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 1–5 credits | 0 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 0 credits | 12+ credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 0 credits | 9–11 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 0 credits | 6–8 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
| 0 credits | 1–5 credits | 12 credits of Pell remaining |
How Much Will I Receive in a Summer Pell Grant?
Your award depends on three things: how many credits you register for, bonus or leftover Pell eligibility, and your EFC from your FAFSA. Check our How to Determine Your Federal Pell Grant Award Chart for each relevant aid year to determine how much your Pell award could be from either year.
When Will I See My Pell Award in the System or Credited Toward My Summer Bill?
Once CUNYfirst system configuration for awarding Summer Pell grants has been completed (usually in April) the awards for eligible students will be posted. The Bursar's Office will not be conducting summer course cancellations until the awarding process has been confirmed and completed.
Will I Need to Submit a Summer Pell Form in Order to Be Eligible?
No. Year-round Pell no longer requires a form.
Why Might My Summer Pell Award Be Reduced?
There is a lifetime aggregate limit of six years for Pell or its part-time equivalent. If you are close to or have reached that limit, you will not be eligible for or see a reduction in your summer Pell award.
How Can I Check My Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU)?
Check the Federal Student Aid website for more information about and how to view your Pell LEU usage.
If I Do Not Register for Summer Courses, Can I Still Get My Bonus (Must Register for at Least Six Credits) or Leftover Pell as a Refund?
The only way to earn a bonus or leftover Pell award is to register for and attend summer courses. You may register for three credits in summer session I and three credits in summer session II to meet the minimum six-credit enrollment requirement for bonus Pell.
I Can Take Only One Class, or Fewer Than Six Credits This Summer. Can I Still Receive a Pell Award?
You can enroll for fewer than six credits and still get a Pell award, if you have remaining Pell LEU eligibility, have filed a 2020–2021 FAFSA, and completed all to-do list items (pdf).
What if I Withdraw From My Summer Courses?
Sometimes a situation necessitates withdrawing from course(s). Review our withdrawal and financial eligibility webpage carefully for impact on your financial aid award(s).
I Will Graduate Before or at the End of the Spring semester, or Already Have a Prior Bachelor's Degree (U.S. or Foreign). Can I Still Be Eligible?
Unfortunately, no. Pell grants are only available to first-time undergraduate students.
Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions, e-mail or schedule an appointment with your financial aid adviser.
