College Affordability and Accessibility Act

Summary#

This bill, the College Affordability and Accessibility Act, changes Federal Pell Grant rules. For award years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 the bill sets a total maximum Pell Grant amount equal to $14,800 reduced by the amount specified as the maximum Pell Grant in the last enacted appropriation Act for that year. For award year 2028-2029 and each later year, the bill sets a total maximum Pell Grant equal to $14,800 increased by an "annual adjustment percentage" and then reduced by the amount specified as the maximum Pell Grant in the last enacted appropriation Act for that year. The bill defines the annual adjustment percentage as the Secretary's estimate of the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the most recent calendar year ending before the award year. These changes take effect July 1, 2026.

The bill also extends who may receive Pell Grants. It clarifies that time spent in noncredit or remedial courses does not count against a student's Pell Grant period. It adds that a student may receive Pell Grants for the first postbaccalaureate course of study at an eligible institution if the student received Pell for at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters for their first undergraduate baccalaureate, would otherwise be eligible, and does not exceed the student's duration limits. The bill raises that duration limit from 12 semesters to 16 semesters.

What it means for you#

  • Students: The law aims to raise the baseline total maximum Pell Grant amount and tie future increases to a CPI-based adjustment. The actual amount a student receives will still depend on the maximum Pell Grant amount set in the last enacted appropriations Act.
  • Students pursuing postbaccalaureate study: Some students who used Pell during an undergraduate degree (at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters) could become eligible for Pell for their first postbaccalaureate program if they otherwise meet eligibility rules.
  • Time covered: The change increases the maximum period you can receive Pell Grant funding from 12 semesters to 16 semesters.
  • Timing: The changes apply to award years starting on or after July 1, 2026.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on expected federal costs or savings. The bill changes how the total maximum Pell Grant is calculated and refers to the maximum amount set in the most recent appropriation Act, but it does not include an explicit budget estimate or appropriation amount.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.