WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 8618

College Affordability and Accessibility Act

119th Congress

The bill raises Pell Grant awards for upcoming years and then ties future increases to the CPI, expanding eligibility periods to cover postbaccalaureate study and longer undergradu

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8618

Summary: College Affordability and Accessibility Act (H.R. 8618, 118th–119th Congress)

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions and potential impact of the bill as introduced.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to reduce the financial barriers to higher education by:
    • Increasing the total maximum Federal Pell Grant award per student for specific award years.
    • Extending the period of eligibility for Pell Grants, including a pathway to cover postbaccalaureate study under certain conditions.
    • Providing a mechanism to adjust Pell Grant amounts using a defined “annual adjustment percentage” tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Key Provisions

1) Increase in the Maximum Pell Grant Amount (Award Years 2026–2027, 2027–2028, and beyond)

  • Amends Section 401(b)(5)(A) of the Higher Education Act to set Pell Grant awards as follows:
    • For award years 2026–2027 and 2027–2028:
    • The total maximum Pell Grant per student is $14,800, minus the amount of the maximum Pell Grant in the most recent enacted appropriation for that award year.
    • For award year 2028–2029 and each subsequent year:
    • The total maximum Pell Grant per student starts at $14,800, then increases by the annual adjustment percentage (defined below) for the relevant award year, and is reduced by the maximum Pell Grant amount specified in the most recent appropriation Act for that year.
  • This creates a two-phase approach: a fixed cap for the near term (through 2027–2028) and a CPI-adjusted cap in later years.

2) Definition of Annual Adjustment Percentage

  • The bill adds a new definition for the term “annual adjustment percentage”:
    • It equals the estimated percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as determined by the Secretary, using the CPI definition applicable to section 478(f).
  • This percentage is used to adjust Pell Grant amounts starting in 2028–2029.

3) Effective Date

  • The changes take effect on July 1, 2026.
  • They apply to each award year beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

4) Extension of Pell Grant Eligibility Period (Postbaccalaureate and Other Extensions)

  • Modifies Pell eligibility to allow, under certain conditions, additional periods for students pursuing:
    • The period required to complete the first undergraduate baccalaureate degree (as currently defined).
    • A period for the completion of the first postbaccalaureate course of study at an eligible institution (as defined in the bill).
  • The postbaccalaureate extension can apply if:
    • The student previously received a Pell Grant during the period required for the completion of the first undergraduate degree (for at least 1 but fewer than 16 semesters, or the equivalent).
    • The student would otherwise be eligible for Pell Grant but for completing the baccalaureate degree.
    • The total Pell Grant period does not exceed the duration limits (which increase from 12 to 16 semesters under the bill).
  • Additionally, existing duration limits are extended from 12 to 16 semesters for Pell eligibility in the circumstances described.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Current and prospective undergraduate students who receive Pell Grants.
  • Students pursuing their first undergraduate degree and, under specific conditions, students pursuing their first postbaccalaureate study at eligible institutions.
  • Institutions administering Pell Grants and the U.S. Department of Education (for administration and CPI-based adjustments).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative action: Introduced in the House (April 30, 2026) and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026, with applicability to award years defined by the Higher Education Act (beginning on or after that date).
  • Administrative changes: Requires Department of Education action to apply CPI-based adjustments and implement the extended eligibility periods.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Financial: Higher Pell Grant caps in the near term, with CPI-indexed increases in later years, potentially increasing grant value for many low- and middle-income students.
  • Eligibility: Expanded periods of eligibility could enable more students to complete degrees or pursue postbaccalaureate study without losing Pell eligibility, potentially reducing student debt and increasing access to graduate-level readiness.
  • Budgetary: The policy would affect federal funding for Pell Grants; the CPI-based formula introduces a variable annual cost that tracks inflation.
  • Administration: Requires updates to the Pell Grant processing system and clear guidance to institutions and students on the new eligibility periods and adjustments.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law or a brief Q&A highlighting practical implications for students and financial aid administrators.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.