Pell grants create opportunities for low- and moderate-income students to enroll in college. Worth a maximum of $7,395 /year in 2026-2027, these federal grants are available for students whose financial realities meet eligibility requirements.  More than one third of community college students use Pell grants to finance their education. Community college tuition is often well below the maximum Pell Grant amount, so that many recipients are able to attend community colleges with their tuition fully covered and with remaining amounts applied towards books, supplies, and living expenses.