The new Pell grant schedule has been released, but it is confusing to read - best to wait until schools reformat it and post on their websites. The maximum is $5,775 for a 0 EFC and full time (12 credits or more) enrollment. According to the Department of Education: This maximum Pell Grant award for the 2015-2016 Award Year is an increase of $45 from the $5,730 maximum Pell Grant award for the 2014-2015 Award Year. The corresponding maximum Pell Grant eligible expected family contribution (EFC) for 2015-2016 will be 5198 … the actual 2015-2016 Award Year minimum scheduled award amount will be $588.