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Increased Pell Grants and Easier Access to Student Aid

This act aims to increase the maximum amount of Pell Grants, making it easier for students to cover education costs. It also expands access to these grants for more individuals, including non-citizen students meeting specific conditions and dependents of fallen heroes. Additionally, it introduces changes to help students maintain financial aid even if they face academic difficulties.
Key points
The maximum Pell Grant amount will gradually increase to $13,000 by the 2028-2029 academic year and will then be adjusted for inflation.
Students with the lowest incomes (those with a negative student aid index) will receive additional financial support.
Non-citizen students who meet the criteria for "Dreamer students" will become eligible for Pell Grants.
Dependents of fallen heroes will be eligible to receive Pell Grants.
The maximum period for receiving Pell Grants has been extended from 12 to 18 semesters (approximately 9 years).
New rules for satisfactory academic progress are introduced, giving students more opportunities to maintain financial aid, including a one-time warning or probationary aid status.
Students who have not been enrolled in higher education for at least two years may have their satisfactory academic progress requirements reset, making it easier for them to return to studies.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_2081
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Process start date: 2021-06-16
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_2081.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-06-16.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The maximum Pell Grant amount will gradually increase to $13,000 by the 2028-2029 academic year and will then be adjusted for inflation.
  • Students with the lowest incomes (those with a negative student aid index) will receive additional financial support.
  • Non-citizen students who meet the criteria for "Dreamer students" will become eligible for Pell Grants.
  • Dependents of fallen heroes will be eligible to receive Pell Grants.
  • The maximum period for receiving Pell Grants has been extended from 12 to 18 semesters (approximately 9 years).
  • New rules for satisfactory academic progress are introduced, giving students more opportunities to maintain financial aid, including a one-time warning or probationary aid status.
  • Students who have not been enrolled in higher education for at least two years may have their satisfactory academic progress requirements reset, making it easier for them to return to studies.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Education Benefits Migration