text: why do schools differ in the amount of pell grant? i  have applied to 3 different schools and they have all given me 3 different amounts for my pell grant. can they do that. if your efc is giving to 3 different in 3 different states, then it is understandable.  efc will fluctuate because of the cost of living of that state.  that is what i have seen when applying for graduate aid