Workforce Pell Grant Program

Paying for College for Students

Program Eligibility Requirements

The Workforce Pell Grant may provide exciting opportunities for students to quickly gain skills that lead to in-demand jobs. To qualify, programs must:

  • Have been offered by the institution for at least one year
  • Be 150–599 clock hours (7.5 – 29.5 credits hours) in length
  • Last at least 8 weeks but fewer than 15 weeks
  • Lead to a stackable, portable credential recognized by multiple employers, or prepare students for entry-level employment that requires one specific credential
  • Transfer credit into future certificate or degree programs
  • Be approved by the state governor as aligned with in-demand jobs and employer needs
  • Meet performance benchmarks:
    • ≥70% program completion rate
    • ≥70% job placement rate within 180 days
    • Cost ≤ value-added earnings of graduates 3 years prior

Keep in Mind

The Workforce Pell Grant follows most of the general Federal Pell Grant rules, but with one important difference: unlike the traditional Pell Grant, students who already have a bachelor's degree may still be eligible. For example, usage of Workforce Pell counts toward a student’s Federal Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU) limit of 600%. 
 
To ensure funding supports programs aligned with workforce needs, certain programs and conditions are excluded:

  • Remedial, non-credit, ESL, correspondence, or study abroad courses
  • Programs offered by unaccredited institutions

Please Note

Students cannot receive both general Pell Grant and Workforce Pell Grant at the same time

What’s Ahead — Oversight & Rulemaking

The US Department of Education is forming the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee to create rules and oversee Workforce Pell program eligibility. The committee is scheduled to meet Dec. 8–12, 2025 and Jan. 5–9, 2026.