GOP plan could raise credit requirements for Pell Grant recipients
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — A Republican-backed proposal could bring major changes to the Pell Grant program, requiring many college students to take on heavier course loads to qualify for federal aid.
Under the legislation, full-time students would need to enroll in at least 30 credit hours per year, up from the current 24, to remain eligible. Part-time students would see their requirement increase from 12 to at least 15 credit hours annually.
'It's a goal to get more students to go full time, graduate more quickly, and I think it will help some students get there,' said Robert Kelchen, an Education Professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
But Kelchen also cautioned that many students might struggle to meet the new demands.
'About two-thirds of students work, and many of them are working close to full time,' he said. 'Some are balancing full-time school and full-time work. Others are taking one or two classes while working 40 hours a week and caring for their families.'
Pell Grants were established by Congress in 1972 to help low-income students access higher education. Today, about 40% of U.S. college students receive the grant, which does not need to be repaid. The federal government spent approximately $31.47 billion on the program during the last academic year.
Critics of the proposal, including the NAACP, warn it could disproportionately harm students of color and roll back recent gains in college access.
'What we're seeing is a really aggressive and swift attack,' said Wisdom Cole, the NAACP's National Director of Youth and College. 'About 75% of graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are Pell Grant recipients. Those are the students who will be hit the hardest.'
Supporters argue the changes are necessary to ensure accountability. Madison Marino, a Higher Education Policy Expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation, cited data showing that only about 53% of Pell Grant recipients complete a degree — significantly lower than the 70% to 73% completion rate for their peers.
'I think it will make students re-evaluate what educational pathways are available to them,' Marino said. 'Does a traditional four-year college fit me?'
The proposal, which also redirects more financial aid toward workforce training programs, passed the House last week and is now awaiting action in the Senate.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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