In the decades since its implementation, the Pell Grant program has supported 80 million students, but its purchasing power has not kept pace with college costs.
Topics: Financial aid
Tuition discount rates climb even higher
The amount private colleges discount their tuition and fees reached record highs of 49% for all undergraduates and 54.5% for first-time, full-time undergraduates.
Drop in FAFSA renewals shows lingering college retention problems
The number of FAFSA filings for 2022-23 fell by nearly 9% compared to a year ago, even as the number of new filings increased.
Want students to understand just how low their tuition would be? Guarantee it up front.
Uncertainty about college costs can deter low-income students from considering elite institutions, even those offering extensive aid. New research shows the power of early assurances.
Williams College drops loans, work-study requirements from financial aid packages
The institution says it is the first U.S. college to do so and hopes its “all-grant” approach will enable more students to fully participate in the college experience.
What happens when states mandate FAFSA completion?
Several states now require high school students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Their FAFSA filings have increased—but so have concerns about sapping scarce resources from other college-access efforts.
Spending package boosts maximum Pell Grant by $400
The recently passed fiscal year 2022 budget includes $3 billion for higher education, an additional $25 billion for federal student aid, and the largest increase to the maximum Pell Grant in more than a decade.
Survey shows opportunity to increase students’ engagement with financial aid experts
How do students perceive the financial aid process—and where do they seek help when obstacles arise? A new survey takes a closer look.
What will growth in unrestricted gifts, endowment returns mean for student support?
Two new reports offer a snapshot of charitable giving and endowment performance at U.S. colleges and universities during fiscal year 2021, showing growth and sparking discussion about the implications for college access.
Thousands of Chicago high school students and their parents offered a debt-free college education
Students at five Chicago public high schools recently learned that they—and one of their parents or guardians—would receive a debt-free college education through Hope Chicago, a multigenerational scholarship program.
Inflation, staffing pressures expected to drive up college tuition
After holding tuition and fees relatively flat in recent years, a number of colleges and universities are saying they must raise sticker prices amid inflation and a tight labor market—and voicing concern about the enrollment implications.
Pell Grants: Budget delay could disrupt aid offers; report shows $3.75B in unclaimed aid
The federal budget stalemate is creating uncertainty at a time when many colleges are preparing to issue financial aid award letters. A new report, meanwhile, drives home the implications when students don’t have a clear understanding of available aid.