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119-hr-8618119th CongressWALLET

College Affordability and Accessibility Act

Sponsored By: Representative Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]

Introduced

Summary

CPI-adjusted Pell Grant maximums. This bill would change how the Federal Pell Grant maximum is calculated by tying awards to a $14,800 baseline and using the Consumer Price Index to adjust future maximums while subtracting the amount set in the most recent appropriation act.

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  • Students and families: New maximum Pell amounts would be set by formula. For award years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 the total maximum per student would equal $14,800 minus the amount listed as the maximum Pell in the last enacted appropriation act for that award year.
  • Future recipients: For award year 2028-2029 and each subsequent award year the total maximum per student would start at $14,800 increased by the annual CPI change estimated by the Secretary and then reduced by the appropriation-specified maximum for that award year.
  • Colleges and financial aid offices: Offices would use the Secretary's CPI-based annual adjustment percentage to calculate maximum awards and plan aid budgets.
  • Appropriations and policy makers: The formula makes the Congress's last enacted Pell maximum for each award year a direct offset to the bill's target, so appropriations will affect the final payable maximum.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Higher Pell maximums tied to CPI

This bill would set a $14,800 benchmark for the total maximum Pell Grant per student starting in award year 2026-2027. For 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 the total maximum would equal $14,800 minus the amount specified as the maximum Pell Grant in the last enacted appropriation for that award year. Starting in 2028-2029 and each year after, the $14,800 benchmark would be increased by the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (as determined by the Secretary), then reduced by that year's maximum Pell amount in the last enacted appropriation. The annual adjustment percentage would use the CPI change for the most recent calendar year before the award year. This rule would take effect on July 1, 2026.

More Pell semesters for students

If enacted, you would be able to receive Pell Grants for up to 16 semesters (or the equivalent) for your first bachelor's degree. If you already used between 1 and 15 semesters for your first bachelor's, you would be able to get Pell for a first postbaccalaureate program so long as your total Pell semesters do not exceed the 16‑semester limit. The bill would change the counting rules and treat such postbaccalaureate students the same way for duration limits. This change would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]

TX • D

Cosponsors

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 10/19/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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