The maximum Pell Grant refers to the maximum amount of financial assistance which can be acquired by the applicant through this federal grant program for the purpose of realizing their educational dreams. The Pell Grant program which is sponsored by the US Department of Education has been named after the US Senator Claiborne Pell and since it is based on the concept of financial need, it is meant to acknowledge the existing diversity in the student segment of the population and is targeted towards students who come from low-income backgrounds. Previously known as the ‘Basic Educational Opportunity Grants’ this program was renamed as the Pell Grant program in 1973 and was originally intended for prisoners because in the opinion of Senator Pell, educational opportunities provided to prison inmates often resulted in the lowering of crime rates.

Prior to determining the maximum Pell Grant amount, it is essential for one to realize how the Pell Grant amount is calculated and by what amount has it been increased in every subsequent year. There was a time in history when the grant money was in excess of the applicants but this situation has undergone a considerable change over a period of time and especially now, during these recessionary times, the ratio of applicants as compared to the grant is many times more.

The amount of Pell Grant received by an applicant is dependent on a number of factors, the foremost among them being the fulfillment of eligibility criteria, external factors like the type of course and the type of institution as well as personal factors like the cost of attending a particular institute, the EFC and the status of enrollment of the applicant. Among these, it is the EFC, the expected family contribution which is the most important as the lower the EFC the higher are the chances of the applicant qualifying for this aid. An EFC value of zero is considered to be one of the best criterions for the applicant who is desirous of seeking the maximum possible aid.

The maximum Pell Grant amount for the year 2010-2011 which can be availed by the neediest applicant is 5,500 per year or alternatively 2,750 dollars per semester. This amount is 150 dollars more than the previous year and the main reason for its increase is to encourage people to improve their educational qualifications so that they can then apply for better and well paying jobs. Likewise, the minimum amount set by the grant is 1,176 dollars for attending full time classes for a single academic year and 659 dollars for attending part time classes.