How to Secure and Strengthen Pell Grants to Increase College Access and Success

Abstract

Research shows that Pell Grants are a critical and effective way to increase college access and completion, making higher education possible for nearly seven million Americans each year. Yet this year’s maximum grant covers the lowest share of college costs in the program’s history and is no longer automatically adjusted each year to ensure the grant at least keeps pace with inflation. It is extremely uncertain what impact COVID-19 and its aftermath will have on college enrollments and family incomes. It’s clear that current and incoming students will be facing unprecedented struggles when starting the new academic year — and, likely, for years to come — and many students will need significant additional support to pay for college. It’s therefore especially critical to both protect and strengthen the Pell Grant program to meet students’ needs for years to come. This report provides key recommendations to secure and strengthen the Pell Grants program, the federal government’s most vital investment in higher education.