Ed Dept Sets Rules for Needy Colleges' Grant Grab
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is setting the rules for which colleges can apply for special grants in 2026. Schools must spend less per student than similar schools to qualify, and the application window opens March 24 and closes April 23, 2026. This update helps make sure funding goes to schools that need it most, so get those applications in on time!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Use of IPEDS 2023-2024 Core Expenses Metric
The Department will calculate educational and general (E&G) expenditures per FTE using the NCES Core Expenses per FTE methodology and requires institutions to use Core Expenses per FTE data reported to IPEDS for academic year 2023-2024 when seeking FY 2026 eligibility. The Department will use the 2023-2024 IPEDS data to evaluate eligibility so institutions must rely on that base year.
Needy-Student Eligibility Thresholds
To be considered to have an enrollment of needy students, an institution must meet either: (1) at least 50 percent of its degree-seeking students received Pell, FSEOG, or FWS; or (2) its share of undergraduate degree-seeking students receiving Pell Grants for 2023-2024 exceeds the median for its category of comparable institutions. The notice provides the 2023-2024 median Pell percentages by category (2-year public 44%, 2-year nonprofit 48%, 4-year public 37%, 4-year nonprofit 36%).
Grant Application Window and Login
If your college wants to apply for FY 2026 grants under section 312 of the HEA, the application is available starting March 24, 2026 and must be submitted by April 23, 2026. You must use the Department's eligibility system at https://HEPIS.ed.gov and log in with a Login.gov account; new account setup can take up to five business days.
Low-Income (150% Poverty) Levels for Eligibility
The notice uses 2024 annual low-income levels at 150 percent of poverty to assess low-income status for eligibility; for example, 150% of poverty is $22,590 for a family of 1 and $46,800 for a family of 4 in the 48 contiguous states and DC. For families larger than eight, add $8,070 per additional member in the contiguous states.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15019, Rescinding Portions of the Department of Education Title VI Regulations To Align With the Statutory Text and Conform to Executive Order 14281
The Department of Education is changing its rules to stop punishing unintentional discrimination under Title VI, focusing only on intentional discrimination instead. This update, effective July 24, 2026, will make things clearer, cut costs for schools and organizations getting federal money, and follow a new executive order about fairness and opportunity. If you receive federal funds, these changes affect how you follow civil rights rules.
2025-15665, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program
The government wants to change the rules for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to stop people working for shady employers from getting loan forgiveness. This means if your job is with an organization involved in serious illegal activities, you won’t qualify for loan help anymore. These changes protect taxpayers and make sure the program is fair, coming soon to keep things on the up and up.
2026-17001, Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization: The Secretary's Recognition of Accrediting Agencies: Institutional Eligibility Under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as Amended, Student Assistance General Provisions
The Department proposes to revise the existing accrediting agency recognition regulations at 34 CFR part 602 to implement the directives set forth in Executive Order 14279, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, and other Administration priorities, align the regulations more closely with statute, and reduce regulatory burden.
2026-17006, Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period With Funding for Arts in Education National Program
The Secretary waives the requirements in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations that generally prohibit extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds. The waiver and extension enables one project under Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.351A to receive funding for an additional period, not to exceed September 30, 2027.
2026-16596, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions
The Secretary of Education publishes an l agenda of Federal regulatory and deregulatory actions. The agenda is issued under the authority of section 4(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review. The purpose of the agenda is to encourage more effective public participation in the regulatory process by providing the public with early information about the regulatory actions we plan to take.
2026-16541, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; National Special Education Spending Study
The Department of Education wants your thoughts on a new survey about how special education money is spent across the country. Schools, districts, and anyone involved in special education will be part of this study, which aims to make sure funds are used wisely. You’ve got until October 13, 2026, to share your comments—so don’t miss out on shaping this important project!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05688, Request for Information for 2028 Department of War (DoW) State Priorities Impacting Service Members and Their Families
The Department of War wants your ideas to help make life easier for service members and their families, especially when they move between states. They’re focusing on fixing problems like school transfers and activities for military kids. Share your thoughts by April 23, 2026, so states can set smart priorities that could lead to better support and smoother transitions.
Next: 2026-05690, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Department of Energy is bringing back a system called ARMS to keep track of people and gear ready to respond to nuclear emergencies. This affects workers and equipment involved in national safety and kicks in after April 23, 2026, unless public feedback says otherwise. No new costs are mentioned, but it helps the government stay prepared and quick in emergencies.