Nasser Albaqqal - SJSU student

"The Pell Grant is the reason why I'm studying here at SJSU. Without it, I wouldn't be able to afford college. The rising costs of higher education necessitate action to double the Pell Grant."

Vaishnavi Sunkari - SJSU student

"Throughout high school, I always knew that I wanted to get into a four-year university but my concern was always about funding. I was so interested in studying and attaining a higher education but definitely didn't want money to get in the way of that."

Grace Pang - SJSU student

"The cost of living in San José Bay Area is notoriously high- and students are no strangers to that affordability burden. In fact, a third of SJSU Spartans experience food insecurity, according to a recent University basic needs survey. Students including me would greatly benefit from doubling of Pell, institutionalizing support and investment in our degree completion."

Vanessa Sedano - SJSU student

"Between being a full-time student and a full-time mom, there is very little time for me to work, therefore I am a low-income student and doubling the Pell Grant would make such a difference in my life. I imagine that I wouldn't have to worry as much about rent after paying my tuition. It would provide me with an ease of mind and reduce the stress from having that weight lifted off my shoulders and in result of that, I can focus better on getting my schoolwork done and graduating."

Travis Lincoln - SJSU student

"Many students are still unable to afford the cost of school along due to the financial hardships they face. The Pell Grant currently covers cost of classes, but does not cover books, parking passes if needed, or other school supplies that may be needed throughout the semester. Doubling the pell grant will benefit students in their ability to afford schooling."

Luis Flores - SJSU student

"We need double Pell Grant because without financial support we must make sacrifices in order to stay in school and pursue our dreams. I'm currently heading into my senior year, but am unable to pursue a job in my field or intern because I need to work to pay for rent. At age 20 I'm living check to check. Asking for extensions not to submit a paper, but pay rent. Gas is another issue. However I believe I would be able to pursue a job in my field, if my financial strains were lessened. "

Ali Ma - SJSU student

"I am a first generation college student in my family, and I do not have income and support for my academic needs. I need help from you to take action to double the Pell Grant. Then more people like me can afford education and improve our society."

Nicolas Abravinel - SJSU student

"Tuition has not been the only financial factor that effects students. The cost of living in America has increased considerably these past couple of years and whatever additional aid will be a great help."

Betty Nguyen - SJSU student

"Financial need during college is much more than just covering academic expenses such as tuition, housing, and textbooks. To achieve equal footing for all college students, we need to support underserved communities and troubled households by making the college experience feasible for everyone."

NADOHE Calls on Congress to Double Pell Grant

“To build diverse and inclusive campuses, college education must be affordable and accessible to students,” according to a statement from NADOHE.

Read this article by Arrman Kyaw on Diverse Issues in Higher Education to learn more.

Doubling Pell Isn’t Enough Without Deeper Reforms

The Pell Grant should be doubled, but it should only be applicable to institutions where Pell combined with other forms of grant aid covers 80 percent of the cost of attendance.

Read this opinion piece from David Ferreira on Inside Higher Ed to learn more.

Opinion | The Wall Street Journal Is Wrong About Pell Grants

The Wall Street Journal editorial board recently argued that increasing Pell Grants would drive up tuition costs and that the Pell program is essentially an expensive failure. But the evidence that federal higher education aid pushes tuition rates higher is very weak, and the Pell program is a proven, vitally important rung on the ladder of educational advancement in the U.S.

Read this opinion piece from David Feldman and Donald Heller on Politico to learn more.

Biden Wants to Double the Maximum Pell Grant. What Difference Would That Make?

A $13,000 Pell Grant would just about fully cover today’s average annual cost of attendance for community-college students. Students at public four-year institutions would have more than half of their tuition, fees, room, and board paid for.

Read this article from Chelsea Long at The Chronicle to learn more.

Opinion: How can we fix the college affordability problem?

It is no secret that we have a higher education affordability problem in the United States. The staggering costs can amount to $80,000 per year at private colleges and universities and $30,000 per year at public institutions. Who can afford that?

Read this opinion piece from Phillip Levine on The Hill to learn more.

Pell Grants at 50: Loss of buying power has Congress rethinking ways of paying for college

President Joe Biden's budget proposal to double Pell Grants by 2029 would help low-income families afford college but rising inflation and calls to cut spending make that goal difficult to achieve.

Read this article from Ledyard King at USA Today to learn more.