A new proposal known as the “Big, Beautiful Bill” is raising concerns among community college students across the United States.
The bill, which is currently being debated in the Senate, aims to tighten the eligibility requirements for Pell Grants, a crucial financial resource for many low- and middle-income students.
If passed, this legislation could threaten the financial aid of hundreds of thousands of community college students.
Pell Grant Changes: Full-Time Enrollment Requirement
One of the key provisions of the proposed bill is that students would need to be enrolled full-time to maintain their eligibility for Pell Grants.
Currently, students can qualify for Pell Grants by attending college part-time, but under the new rules, they would be required to take at least 15 credit hours per semester, up from the current 12.
For many students, this change could be difficult. A significant portion of community college students are balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and financial hardships. The increased credit hour requirement could make it even harder for them to attend school full-time.
Financial Burden on Students
According to the American Association of Community Colleges, the average cost to attend a community college is about $4,050 per year, whereas the average cost of attending a four-year public university in-state is $11,610.
Pell Grants offer financial assistance ranging from $740 to $7,395 annually, making them a lifeline for many community college students. Without these grants, many students, especially those who are low-income, could be unable to afford their education.
Maria Baez, a 41-year-old student at the Community College of Philadelphia, shares her concern about the potential impact of the bill. She has received about $3,600 in Pell Grants, which helped cover part of her tuition.
If the new rules are approved, Baez says she would likely have to drop out since she would not be able to afford her education without the financial support of the Pell Grant. She dreams of owning a small marketing business and sees education as the key to her career.
The Impact on Working Students
Community colleges often serve as an entry point into higher education for people who cannot afford or are not able to attend four-year universities. Many students attend part-time, balancing their studies with work, family care, or other obligations.
However, under the proposed bill, part-time students who rely on Pell Grants might lose their funding, making education even less accessible for those who need it most.
A mother of five, Lakina Mabins, 41, is another example of someone who depends on the Pell Grant to fund her education. Mabins worked two jobs while attending Kennedy King College in Chicago, where she graduated as valedictorian.
As someone who lives in public housing and relies on food stamps, Mabins says that this proposed change could make it even harder for her to improve her situation.
“The government wants me off assistance, but they are creating more debt and making it harder for me to better myself,” she says.
The “Big, Beautiful Bill” and Broader Budget Cuts
The proposed changes are part of a larger budget bill advanced by Republicans, which is aimed at cutting government spending and reducing taxes. House Republicans approved their version of the bill in May, and it is now being considered by the Senate.
If passed, the bill would also eliminate subsidized federal loans, a move that would force borrowers to take on more debt.
Supporters of the bill argue that it could save the government $300 billion and reduce the burden on taxpayers who subsidize loan payments for college graduates.
However, critics, including student advocates and organizations like the Debt Collective, warn that the changes would put a greater financial strain on students, making it harder for them to graduate without accumulating significant debt.
Looking Ahead
As the debate continues, many community college students fear the long-term impact of the proposed changes. For many, Pell Grants are the only way they can afford their education.
Without this support, students like Baez and Mabins may be forced to choose between staying in school or giving up on their educational dreams.
