College Affordability and Accessibility Act

Key Points

• The bill would nearly double the maximum Pell Grant to $14,800 per year starting in the 2026-2027 award year. This is a major increase from the current maximum of about $7,395 and would significantly reduce the financial burden on low-income college students.
• Starting in 2028-2029, the maximum grant would automatically increase each year based on inflation using the Consumer Price Index. This ensures that the value of the grant keeps pace with rising costs over time.
• The bill extends the lifetime limit for receiving Pell Grants from 12 semesters (about 6 years) to 16 semesters (about 8 years), giving students more time to complete their education.
• For the first time, students who finish their bachelor's degree with remaining Pell Grant eligibility could use those leftover semesters toward their first graduate or postbaccalaureate program at an eligible institution.
• Time spent in remedial or noncredit courses would not count against a student's lifetime Pell Grant limit, protecting students who need extra academic preparation before starting their degree program.