Washington, D.C. — As they race to pass a budget reconciliation package, Republicans in the House of Representatives recently advanced a sweeping set of proposals that would upend the higher education sector. Among them: a proposal that would significantly reduce or eliminate Pell Grant funding for millions of students, a key grant program that helps students from low- and middle-income families attain college degrees.
New analysis from the Center for American Progress reveals how dramatically this proposal would hurt Pell Grant recipients. Funding for the Pell Grant program is already failing to keep pace with the rising cost of college in the United States, and the author argues Congress should be looking for ways to bolster the program, not undermine it.
Key findings from the analysis include:
- An estimated 4.4 million—or nearly 2 in 3—current Pell Grant recipients could see their awards reduced or cut entirely.
- One-third of all community college recipients would completely lose their awards.
- Changes to eligibility could increase the cost of a bachelor’s degree by up to $7,400 and of an associate degree by up to $3,700 for grant recipients.
“Pell Grant recipients need more support, not less,” said Sara Partridge, associate director for Higher Education Policy at CAP and author of the column. “This bill increases the burden on students and families who already face barriers to accessing, affording, and completing college.”
Read the column: “Congressional Republicans’ Proposed Budget Reconciliation Bill Imperils 4.4 Million Pell Grant Recipients” by Sara Partridge
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Mishka Espey at [email protected].