The Pell Grants is a federal grant offered to college students based on their financial need.  Unlike a loan, these grants do not have to be repaid upon graduation from college. 

The maximum amount being offered by the Pell Grant for the 2009-2010 school year is $5,350.  However, the amount each student will received is calculated based on information revceived from the FAFSA application completed for the school year that the student plans on attending. 

To get started on the road to financing your college education you should first decide which school you will attend, apply to it, and then complete your FAFSA application (you can usually accomplish both of these conviently and  easily online).