2026–27 award year
Going back to school?
You may qualify for grants
you never pay back.
Up to $7,395 a year in federal Pell Grant aid may be available, plus state and school grants. Answer a few quick questions to see programs that fit your life and the funding you may be eligible for.
- Grants, not loans
- Online & campus
- Built for working adults
Step 1 of 11
What type of program are you interested in?
Your answers help match you with programs and aid options.
$7,395
max Pell Grant, 2026–27
$0
to use this service
2 min
to see your matches
100%
online options available
How it works
Three steps from “maybe someday” to a real plan.
01
Answer a few questions
Tell us what you want to study, how you want to attend, and when you want to start. It takes about two minutes.
02
See programs that fit
We match you with schools offering programs in your field, online or on campus, that work around jobs and family.
03
Explore your funding
An advisor can walk you through the Pell Grant, state grants, scholarships, and the FAFSA so you know what you may qualify for.
Grants you may be eligible for
Money for school that isn’t a loan.
Grants are need-based or merit-based aid you don’t repay. Whether you qualify, and for how much, depends on your FAFSA and the school you attend. Here are the main types adult students look at first.
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 / yearThe largest federal grant for undergraduates with financial need. It does not have to be repaid. Eligibility and amount are set by your FAFSA results and your school.
Read more at studentaid.gov →
FSEOG
Up to $4,000 / yearThe Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant goes to students with exceptional need at participating schools. Funds are limited, so applying early matters.
Read more at studentaid.gov →
State grants
Varies by stateMost states run their own need-based or merit grants for residents. Many use your FAFSA, some have their own short application and deadlines.
Read more at studentaid.gov →
School & employer aid
Varies by programInstitutional scholarships, tuition discounts for working adults, and employer tuition assistance can stack on top of federal and state grants.
Read more at studentaid.gov →
Amounts are federal maximums published by Federal Student Aid for 2026–27. Most students receive less than the maximum. The FAFSA is free at studentaid.gov.
Who this is for
Adults who have a life, not just a class schedule.
Most people who use CollegeCompass360 are 22 to 50, work, and haven’t been in a classroom in years. That’s exactly who the programs we match are built for.
Start my matchWorking full-time
Evening, weekend, and self-paced online programs built around a job.
Raising a family
Flexible schedules and programs that don’t require you to quit what you’re doing.
Changing careers
Certificates and degrees that move you into healthcare, tech, business, or the trades.
First in your family
An advisor to explain the FAFSA and aid in plain language, from the first step.
Popular fields
Pick a field to start with it pre-filled.
Questions
Straight answers.
Is this a government website?
No. CollegeCompass360 is an independent, free matching service. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or any government agency, and we do not award grants. The official place to apply for federal aid is the FAFSA at studentaid.gov, which is free.
Do I have to pay anything?
No. The service is free. We may be compensated by the schools and partners we connect you with, which is how we keep it free for you.
How do I know if I qualify for a Pell Grant?
Eligibility is based on financial need, calculated from your FAFSA, plus factors like enrollment status and program. The maximum for 2026–27 is $7,395, but most students receive less. A school’s financial aid office tells you your exact award after you apply.
What happens after I submit my information?
You’ll see your next steps right away. Schools whose programs match your answers may contact you by phone, text, or email to talk through programs, costs, and financial aid. You can opt out at any time.
I don’t have a high school diploma. Can I still go?
Often, yes. Many programs accept a GED, and some schools have pathways for students who are still earning one. Tell us your situation and we’ll match accordingly.
Can I do this fully online?
Yes. Most of the programs we match offer online or hybrid formats designed for adults who work.
Find out what you may qualify for.
Two minutes. Free. No obligation. Your matches and next steps are on the other side.
See If I May Qualify