College Affordability and Accessibility Act
Sponsored By: Representative Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
Introduced
Summary
Would raise and index the Pell Grant maximum to $14,800. It would also let some students use Pell for postbaccalaureate study and lengthen how long students can receive Pell grants.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher Pell grants tied to inflation
This bill would raise and index the total maximum Federal Pell Grant per student. For award years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 the total maximum would equal $14,800 minus the maximum Pell amount set in the last enacted appropriations Act for that award year. For award year 2028-2029 and later years the total maximum would equal $14,800 increased by an "annual adjustment percentage," then reduced by that appropriations maximum. The annual adjustment percentage would be the estimated percent change in the Consumer Price Index for the most recent calendar year, as determined by the Secretary. These changes would apply to award years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Pell grants for postbaccalaureate study
This bill would let eligible students receive Federal Pell Grants for their first postbaccalaureate program in some cases. You would qualify only if you got Pell during your first undergraduate bachelor’s program for at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters (or the equivalent), and you would otherwise be eligible but for having completed that bachelor’s. Periods in remedial or noncredit courses would not count. The bill would also raise the Pell duration limit in law from 12 semesters to 16 semesters. These changes would apply to award years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18]
TX • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov