Proposed Legislation Seeks to Substantially Increase Pell Grant Awards and Broaden Eligibility

U.S. lawmakers have introduced a bill, the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026, designed to significantly boost the maximum Pell Grant award to $15,000 over six years. The proposed legislation also aims to adjust grants for inflation, extend eligibility to DREAMers, and establish the program as fully mandatory to safeguard against future funding gaps. This initiative could profoundly impact financial aid for higher education.