Today, NAICU joined nearly 1,200 organizations, colleges and universities in calling on Congress to double the Pell Grant maximum award. Below is a statement from NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.M.

“Doubling the Pell Grant maximum award is one of NAICU’s top policy priorities. I am pleased today that NAICU has joined with more than 300 organizations and nearly 900 individual colleges and universities to urge Congress to bring an affordable, high-quality college education within reach for all students by doubling the Pell Grant maximum award.

“Currently, there are more than 1.1 million students at private, nonprofit colleges and universities who receive Pell Grants each year.  This support provides nearly $5 billion to help them attend and complete college.

“This call to double the Pell Grant is the single most important step Congress can take to make college more accessible for low-income and first generation students. The goal to double Pell, described as “long overdue” in the letter, clearly has the backing of the higher education community, as evidenced by the support demonstrated in today’s letter.

“This important investment will drive economic recovery, help address racial and economic inequities in college completion rates, and increase overall educational attainment. Doubling the Pell Grant maximum award is something Congress can agree to on a bipartisan basis as a fast and effective way to bolster opportunity for millions of students.

“We look forward to working with members of the House and Senate from both parties and the Biden Administration to enact this important public policy initiative.”