Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a series of six that delves into Title IV-related issues contained in the College Affordability Act, the House Democrats’ bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act. This article details the proposed changes in the College Affordability Act affecting the Federal Pell Grant and other federal grant programs.
Pell Grants
Under the College Affordability Act (CAA), Pell Grants would see a one-time $500 increase to the maximum award and an increase to the limit for the Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) from 12 semesters to 14 semesters. Additionally, for students who do not use their full LEU during their undergraduate course of study, they may apply any unused LEU toward post-baccalaureate studies. The CAA would also exclude any time during which students who were harmed by institutional fraud or misconduct for which they would have been eligible for discharge of their student loans from their Pell LEU limit.
Pell Grants for Short-Term Programs
Pell Grants would be extended to short-term programs under the CAA for certain eligible students and programs. Only students who have not previously completed a post-baccalaureate degree would be eligible.