Early this morning, the Senate passed the $1.2 trillion spending package, which included funding for the Department of Education and the federal student aid programs. The six-bill appropriations package cleared its final hurdle in the Senate by a 74-24 vote and now goes to President Biden for his signature. NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A. issued the following statement:
 
“The budget passed this morning is an important step in helping students access federal student aid in the coming school year. By Congress reaffirming its support for and sustaining the core federal student aid programs, colleges can now guarantee students that financial aid will be available to those who need it as it has been for the previous generations of students.
 
“The issues with the rollout of the new FAFSA, coupled with the delay in passing a budget, have had serious impacts on students and families as well as institutions. For months now, students and families were unsure what the maximum Pell Grant award would be or whether Federal Work-Study and important grant programs would be available at all this fall. This budget reinforces the strong bipartisan support that these critical programs, which have helped countless millions of students and families over the years, have in Congress and the role they play in helping so many to access higher education.
 
“The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and its member institutions remain committed to putting students first and assisting them in navigating the complexities and opportunities of financial aid. College remains the best opportunity for a better future. 
 
“NAICU will continue to work diligently to make sure there is expanded access to Pell Grants and that vital resources like Federal Work-Study and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs remain available to those who need them. Our member institutions will do all they can to make financial aid packages available to families as quickly and accurately as possible once the Department is able to provide our institutions the approved FAFSA information for both applicants and current students.”