New: Workforce Pell Grants

Money for trade school you
don’t have to pay back

Starting July 1, 2026, Pell Grants cover short, hands-on training programs — up to about $7,395 a year. The hard part is knowing if you qualify. We’ll tell you in about two minutes.

See if you qualify →

Free · No account · We never ask for your SSN or exact income

~$7,395
Maximum Pell award per year — money you don’t pay back.
July 1, 2026
When Workforce Pell opens up for short trade programs.
8–15 weeks
Short, focused programs (150–599 hours) now qualify.

What is Workforce Pell?

Pell Grants are federal money for school that you never repay. Until now they only covered longer college programs. Workforce Pell extends them to short-term career training — programs of 8 to 15 weeks (150–599 clock hours) in fields like welding, HVAC, CDL, medical assisting, and the trades.

A pleasant surprise: Unlike a regular Pell Grant, having a bachelor’s degree does not disqualify you from Workforce Pell. (A graduate degree does). If you don’t have a high-school diploma, an “Ability to Benefit” path can still open the door.

How much could I get?

Awards run up to about $7,395 per year. The exact amount depends mainly on your household income and the cost of your program — lower-income students typically receive the full award. The wizard gives you a rough estimate, and the official figure comes from the free FAFSA.

What else can I stack on top?

Pell rarely has to stand alone. These often combine with it — and many people don’t know they exist.

WIOA workforce funds
Federal training money, usually through your local American Job Center.
State workforce grants
Many states fund short-term credentials directly — rules vary by state.
School scholarships
Trade schools often fund tuition, tools, transportation, and childcare.
Employer tuition help
Some employers and apprenticeships pay for training up front.

No catch. This tool is free and informational. We don’t submit anything for you and never ask for your Social Security Number, FSA ID, or exact income. Be wary of anyone who charges to “help” you with the FAFSA — it’s always free at studentaid.gov.

Ready to find out where you stand?

Start the Pell Grant Wizard →