Lifetime Eligibility Used is the percentage of the Pell Grant lifetime maximum that a student has already received.
How it works
After each disbursement NSLDS adds the percentage used for that payment period to the running total. The percentage is based on the amount disbursed relative to the maximum scheduled award and on enrollment intensity. Institutions must review the LEU before awarding or disbursing Pell. Students approaching the limit may receive a reduced final payment.
Example: a student has already used 550 percent of Pell eligibility. In the next full-time year the student would normally use another 100 percent, but only 50 percent remains. The institution disburses a prorated Pell Grant equal to half the scheduled award and then the student is no longer Pell-eligible.
How it differs
Aggregate loan limits apply to Direct Loans, not Pell Grants. Satisfactory academic progress can end aid eligibility earlier for academic reasons. Enrollment intensity affects the percentage used in a given year but does not change the 600 percent lifetime ceiling.
Common errors
Assuming part-time enrollment does not count against the lifetime limit. Expecting the percentage to reset after a degree is completed. Ignoring LEU when packaging aid for a transfer student who previously received Pell.
References
- 1. Federal Student Aid Pell LEU600 percent lifetime cap
- 2. NSLDS LEU trackingPercentage calculation
Lifetime Eligibility Used is the percentage of the Pell Grant lifetime maximum that a student has already received.