U.S. Rep. Lawrence Reintroduces Legislation to Boost Financial Aid

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) reintroduced the The Pell to Grad Act, legislation that would increase higher education opportunities by providing additional financial to students working to support themselves and offset rising college costs. Under current law, students' eligibility for Pell Grants is limited to 12 semesters, and students are prohibited from using Pell Grants for graduate or professional degrees. This legislation would extend students' lifetime Pell Grant eligibility to 16 semesters and allow those who received a Pell Grant award during their undergraduate education to utilize their remaining Pell eligibility for their graduate degrees. To view the text of the bill, click here.

"The rising costs of higher education has made college out of reach for far too many students. For those that do attend, they graduate with debilitating student debt. This must change," said Rep. Lawrence. "My legislation helps reduce the burden and remove barriers that so many students face in pursuit of higher education and is a great step towards making college more affordable for students in Michigan and across the country. I am proud to reintroduce this measure and urge for its consideration on the House floor."

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain post baccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Grant amounts are dependent on the student's expected family contribution, the cost of attendance determined by the institution, the student's enrollment status, and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.

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