What does Preamble of College Affordability and Accessibility Act do?

This bill aims to increase the total maximum Federal Pell Grant. The bill also seeks to extend flexibility for Pell Grant eligibility.

What does SHORT TITLE. of College Affordability and Accessibility Act do?

This bill is formally titled College Affordability and Accessibility Act

What does INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF A FEDERAL PELL GRANT. of College Affordability and Accessibility Act do?

This section amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount. For award years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028, the maximum Pell Grant will be $14,800, reduced by the amount specified in the last enacted appropriation Act. For subsequent award years (2028-2029 and later), the maximum Pell Grant will be $14,800, increased by the annual adjustment percentage, then reduced by the amount specified in the last enacted appropriation Act. The 'annual adjustment percentage' is defined as the estimated percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for the most recent calendar year prior to the award year. These amendments will take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to award years beginning on or after that date.

What does EXTENSION IN THE PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY FOR GRANTS. of College Affordability and Accessibility Act do?

This section amends Section 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. It modifies eligibility for Federal Pell Grants to include postbaccalaureate students under certain conditions. The period during which a student may receive Pell Grants now includes the completion of the first undergraduate baccalaureate course of study. Noncredit or remedial courses are excluded when calculating the period for Pell Grant eligibility. Students who received Pell Grants for at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters during their undergraduate studies may be eligible for Pell Grants for a postbaccalaureate course of study. The maximum Pell Grant duration limit is adjusted from 12 to 16 semesters.

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College Affordability and Accessibility Act

Last updated: 4/30/2026 · Introduced: 4/30/2026

Author: Christian Menefee (D-TX)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill increases the maximum Federal Pell Grant to $14,800, with adjustments based on inflation and annual appropriations.
The bill extends Pell Grant eligibility to include postbaccalaureate students who meet specific criteria, such as having completed their first undergraduate degree.
The maximum Pell Grant duration limit is raised from 12 to 16 semesters.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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