Clarification on Pell Grant income guidelines

I was looking into the Pell Grant and saw there are income guidelines, but I'm not entirely sure what they mean. Would someone please help me understand what the income guidelines for the Pell Grant are?

The Pell Grant is a form of federal financial aid that doesn't have to be paid back, making it highly sought after by students. Its aim is to assist low-income undergraduate students in affording college. Eligibility for the Pell Grant is chiefly determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated from the data provided when filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

While the exact income guidelines for the Pell Grant aren't explicitly stated, because the calculation considers many factors beyond just income such as family size and number of family members in college, some general insights can be shared:

1. Families with a total income of up to $26,000 have typically qualified for the Pell Grant in the past.

2. Pell Grant recipients usually come from families who earn less than $60,000 annually, although most grants are generally awarded to students whose families make less than $30,000 per year.

3. Notably, the income thresholds can vary from year to year and are subject to change.

Do keep in mind that income is not the only determinant. Other aspects such as the cost of attendance at your institution and your status as a full-time or part-time student also play roles in your eligibility and the amount you might receive. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2024-2025 school year is $6,495, but each student’s award depends on individual financial need, school cost, and enrollment status. You should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to get an accurate idea of your eligibility for the Pell Grant.