Federal Pell is a need-based grant that does not need to be repaid. Eligibility for a Federal Pell grant is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) figure that is created as a result of your FAFSA application. The highest awards go to students with the lowest EFCs, with award amounts decreasing as the EFC increases. Learn more about the Federal Pell grant program from the U.S. Department of Education.