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Increase Pell Grant amounts & eligibility

Increase Pell Grant amounts & eligibility

7
Days left
23,066Votes
$47,306Raised
$15,977Sponsors

Pell Grant buying power has shrunk for students

The Pell Grant used to cover much more of college costs than it does today. This cause aims to raise the maximum Pell award and expand who can qualify, so more low- and middle-income students can afford school with less debt. Winning means Congress passes a clear increase and broader eligibility rules.

Why this matters now

In the 1970s, the Pell Grant covered about 75% of the cost of a four-year public college. Today it covers about 28%, even as college prices have risen.

When the maximum grant is $7,395 and costs keep climbing, students are left with big gaps. Many take on more loans, work long hours, or drop out. That can delay careers, raise debt, and make it harder for families to get ahead.

What's blocking progress

A big Pell increase costs tens of billions each year, and budget fights in a divided Congress slow action. Some lawmakers also worry higher aid could push tuition up, and debates over eligibility (like Dreamers) can stall bills.

Strategies

Choose which strategies should receive funding this cycle.

Lobbying

Federal Budget Advocacy

Push for a significant Pell increase in the annual appropriations process (or a multi-year reconciliation bill if available).

9,688 VOTES42% SHARE OF POOL
9,688 VOTES42% SHARE OF POOL
Your Votes
0
Lobbying

Comprehensive Legislation

Advocate for passage of the Pell Grant Preservation & Expansion Act (or similar) that permanently doubles and indexes Pell and broadens eligibility.

6,458 VOTES28% SHARE OF POOL
6,458 VOTES28% SHARE OF POOL
Your Votes
0
Lobbying

State-Level Supplementation

Encourage states to use their budget surpluses or new scholarship programs to “fill the gap” for Pell students.

4,152 VOTES18% SHARE OF POOL
4,152 VOTES18% SHARE OF POOL
Your Votes
0
Media

Public Campaign & Storytelling

Leverage the Double Pell Alliance (over 1,200 organizations) to run a public campaign highlighting stories of students for whom a larger Pell would be life-changing.

2,768 VOTES12% SHARE OF POOL
2,768 VOTES12% SHARE OF POOL
Your Votes
0

Community discussion

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Impact stories

Impact updates will appear here after the first cycle closes.

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