Double the Pell
Cost should never stop anyone from going to college
Since it was created in 1965, the Federal Pell Grant has provided the funding to help low-income students pay for higher education.
Double the Pell
But today the Pell Grant covers only a fraction of the cost of college — and it falls far short of what students need to succeed.
It’s time for Congress to reinvest in this important program, a move that will:
Ease the student loan burden
More than 7 million students receive Pell Grants nationally each year, but few can rely on it to fully finance their degree.
Help students meet their basic needs
Too many students struggle to pay for food, housing and health care. More Pell funding can help.
Expand financial aid to more students
Greater federal support for Pell will enable colleges and universities to stretch their own aid funding to more families.
“The Pell Grant is what allowed me to pursue higher education. Because of that I’ve realized my dream of pursing a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences.”
Dalila N. Lara, UC Santa Barbara, 2022
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Why double the Pell Grant?
Pell Grants are the federal government's main tool for helping low-income students afford college. In 1980, Pell Grants covered more than 75 percent of the cost to attend a 4-year public university. Today the maximum award covers just 28 percent.
The financial instability brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has made the eroding value of Pell Grants even more problematic for millions of college students and their families. And it means that many students are taking on more debt.
We're calling on Congress to double the Pell Grant, so it reaches a maximum award of $13,000. This will make college more affordable and give students the support they need to succeed.
“Due to COVID-19 I lost my job, lived in my car, and stayed late at school to finish my coursework. If the Pell Grant was doubled it would prevent me from falling back into that life of uncertainty.”
Rakia White, UC Berkeley, 2022
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Facts and Figures
Pell Grants pay off in brighter futures and a stronger California.
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